Concern is growing about the effectiveness of television advertising regulation in the light of technological developments in the media. The current rapid growth of TV platforms in terrestrial, sattelite, and cable formats will soon move into digital transmission. These all offer opportunities for greater commercialization through advertising on media that have not previously been exploited. In democratic societies, there is a tension between freedom of speech rights and the harm that might be done to children through commercial messages. This book explores all of these issues and looks to the future in considering how effective codes of practice and regulation will develop.

Children represent a valuable target audience for advertisers, with over $200 billion in direct purchases and influenced spending. However, questions exist about both the effectiveness of marketing to children as well as the impact this advertising has on the children themselves. Current debates over smoking and alcohol consumption highlight this issue from all perspectives: marketers, parents, and policymakers. Advertising to Children presents cutting-edge research designed to stimulate and inform this debate. Well-known authors contribute their perspectives, with chapters organized in sections to address what children know and think about advertising, how advertising works with children, and what issues are at the forefront of societal and public-policy thinking. Editors M. Carole Macklin and Les Carlson have lead research in this field and lend their expertise. More than just a litany of hot topics, this book provides a wide-angle lens on the field, with insights from advertising, marketing, communication, and psychology.

This important source for students, researchers, advertisers and parents reviews the debates and presents new research about advertising to children. Chapters cover food and alcohol advertising, the effects of product placement and new media advertising, and the role of parents and teachers in helping children to learn more about advertising.