Advertising to children via the internet is increasing at an explosive rate, according to a new study from the Kaiser Family Foundation. The study analyzed 77 food company websites, most of which marketed junk food to children via methods such as free online video games, where the game characters and themes coincide with the product being advertised. For example, Kellogg's "Funk K Town" website invites kids to take cyber-game adventures on "CinnaIsland" with Toucan Sam, where kids can learn about how much "fun" can be found in the sugary breakfast cereals Apple Jacks and Froot Loops. The Federal Trade Commission claims they have no jurisdiction over this type of advertising, which would be illegal on television. In other words corporate advertisers have free rein to misinform and exploit children using the internet. "Children below the age of 8 have a unique vulnerability to commercial persuasion," said Dale Kunkel, a member of the Institute of Medicine committee that studied the effects of marketing food to children.
Learn more: http://www.organicconsumers.org/2006/article_1176.cfm
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