Age-inappropriate television commercials
Filed under: Lifestyle, Media, 6-7 years, Television
We are pretty strict about television viewing in my house. Not only is Ellie limited in how long she can zone out in front of the tube, she is restricted from watching shows we consider too mature for her. She knows which shows are on the "do not watch" list and will change the channel herself when they come on. She's good that way. Don't get me wrong, she wants to watch "That's So Raven", but she accepts that it is intended for children older than six and is therefore not allowed.Lately I have noticed that while she is viewing what should be age-appropriate programming, advertisers are trying to talk to me. Somewhere between the Magic School Bus and Dora the Explorer, she is being urged to clean up her credit, clear her skin and get some technical training so she can get a better paying job. It's 8am, I haven't had my coffee yet, and I am trying to explain to a six year old what 'dirty' credit is, how that skin cream really won't make me look ten years younger and how technical training won't be necessary because she will be going to a four-year college.
The worst offender is my local cable company and their advertisements for television parental controls. On the surface, it makes sense. Your kids are watching age-appropriate programming and the helpful cable company wants to let you know how you can assure they continue to watch such shows.
The problem arises in the commercials themselves. In one, a father is in his living room having a conversation with Skinny Pale Guy. Father tells Skinny Pale Guy that the violence and drug use in his show is inappropriate for his kids and he will therefore have to block him. In the spot, you can see the man's children playing outside. Obviously, this is a conversation he wanted to have in private, when the kids weren't around.
Why can't they have this talk with me when my kid isn't around?Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments