After Steubenville, there is a petition to ask the National Federation of High School Associations, which offers annual required trainings for coaches in order for them to remain accredited, to partner with nationally recognized activist … [Read more...]
What can I do to help protect all children from harmful media messages?
March 26, 2013 By 6 Comments
I spent last weekend at a conference full of energetic and committed people working to protect children from corporate marketing practices that harm children’s health and well-being for profit. It was the 8th international Consuming Kids Summit … [Read more...]
Art inspired by marketers who unfairly target children
March 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment
A special treat today. Works of art, one a poem and one a mixed-media drawing/collage, that draw inspiration from a sense that children are unfairly targeted by marketers in our society. This is a work by Massachusetts mixed-media artist Edward … [Read more...]
M-rated video games cross-promoted with children’s building toys
January 30, 2013 By 1 Comment
If Halo is rated M for mature game players only, then why the cross-promotion with Megabloks, intended for ages "8 and up"? Please watch this promotional video (or see screenshots below). Please note that the video includes the Xbox logo. How … [Read more...]
Future Zone: media, corporations, government, privacy
January 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
For the new year, a few from the future shock files that are good for parents and everyone to be aware of. Will your device spy on you while you watch TV? All I can say is, if you’re not freaked out yet, you’re not paying … [Read more...]
Vote today in the bad toy contest
December 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
It’s the TOADY. I do enjoy this annual contest, to select the worst toy of the year, as a counterpoint to the Toy of the Year award – the TOTY – which is sponsored by the toy industry. Sometimes the choices in both contests are strikingly … [Read more...]
Tobacco industry marketing practices target youth
November 14, 2012 By 1 Comment
This is the first of a two part series on smoking, media and youth. Part II here. I finally slogged through the 2012 Surgeon Generals’ report, “Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults” section on tobacco industry … [Read more...]
A photo essay: What can a girl be?
October 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
I took a stroll through the toy aisles of a major retailer with my camera. The aisles with toys for girls are conveniently color coded with pink. The boys' aisles are blue, of course. This helps you find the correct and proper toy for your children. … [Read more...]
Be aware that corporate marketers will seek access to your kids
September 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Never, ever doubt that corporations are always on the lookout for creative ways to market to your child in any venue they can – especially if they can do it when you are not there. My kids have become alert reporters of inappropriate marketing to … [Read more...]
"See something? Say something." Advertising version
August 24, 2012 By 7 Comments
"Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me?" I had decided to get lunch at a new restaurant in town. I believe in supporting local business. Then I saw this cute little marketing card on the counter. And it made me feel not so good about … [Read more...]
