Start by teaching kids under 7 the difference between a TV program and a commercial. Point out commercials and use a timer to show them when the commercial begins and ends. Ask questions to help them recognize the purpose of the commercial is to sell them a product. What is the commercial selling? How does the commercial make them feel? Would they like to buy the product?
Once kids understand that advertising is about persuading them to buy a product, they can begin to identify other types of advertising messages such as product placement, Web site games and guerilla marketing. Watch TV or play a video game with your child and find the products and logos used as a prop or part of the storyline. Have a conversation about how the messages try to get you to buy the product.
Who created this message?
What words, images and sounds are used to attract my attention?
What is really being sold in this message?
What does the message mean to me?
The same questions can be asked about any media message with just a few minor changes — substitute the word ad or product with the name of another media form.
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Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping parents make informed media and entertainment choices for their families.