Question
You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:
‘Advertising aimed at children and young teenagers under 16 should be banned.’ What do you think?
Model Essay
Advertising aimed at children and young teenagers under 16 should be banned. This position is based on several compelling reasons that revolve around the psychological vulnerability of young people, the ethical implications of targeting them with commercial messages, and the long-term impact on their health and well-being.
Children and young teenagers are in critical stages of cognitive and emotional development. They are not yet equipped with the necessary critical thinking skills to understand and evaluate advertising messages critically. Advertisers often exploit this vulnerability by using bright colors, catchy jingles, popular cartoon characters, and other persuasive techniques that easily captivate young minds. For example, advertisements for sugary cereals or toys often feature beloved animated characters, making it difficult for children to distinguish between the program content and the commercial. This manipulation can lead to unrealistic expectations and desires that children may not understand are manufactured for profit.
The ethics of targeting such a susceptible audience are questionable. Advertising to children and young teenagers often focuses on creating a sense of need or inadequacy that can only be resolved by purchasing a particular product. This can contribute to materialistic values and an unhealthy focus on consumerism from an early age. It also places undue pressure on parents, who must navigate their children’s persistent requests influenced by these advertisements. Ethically, it is problematic to exploit the naivety and impressionability of young people for commercial gain.
One of the most significant concerns regarding advertising aimed at young people is its impact on their health and well-being. Many advertisements promote unhealthy foods high in sugar, salt, and fat, contributing to rising childhood obesity rates. For instance, fast food, sugary snacks, and soft drinks are frequently marketed to children through television and online ads. The constant exposure to these advertisements encourages poor eating habits and a preference for unhealthy foods, which can lead to long-term health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
ADVERTISEMENT
Additionally, advertisements for toys and video games can promote sedentary lifestyles, as children may prefer playing with the latest gadgets over engaging in physical activities. This shift towards sedentary behavior further exacerbates health problems and undermines efforts to encourage a more active and healthy lifestyle among young people.
Some may argue that advertising provides valuable information about products and services, and banning it would infringe on free market principles. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge the unique vulnerability of children and teenagers. Unlike adults, young people cannot process and analyze advertisements with the same level of discernment. The primary goal of protecting their development and well-being should take precedence over commercial interests.
In conclusion, banning advertising aimed at children and young teenagers under 16 is a necessary step to protect them from exploitation and to foster healthier development. The psychological vulnerability of young people, the ethical concerns of targeting them for commercial gain, and the adverse impact on their health and well-being all point to the need for such a ban. By shielding young audiences from manipulative advertising, we can help them grow into more informed, discerning, and healthy individuals, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
Word Count: 514