19.Toys, kids and ads

Q1 How does advertising influence children?

Ans- Well, children are an extremely vulnerable target audience because they are cognitively and psychologically defenseless against advertising. Children take everything they see at face value, and therefore they are easy to persuade. So if the ad says that it is a Snickers that satisfies hunger best, they are likely to opt for a Snickers rather than healthy snacks. They quickly get used to consuming unhealthy food, and then they become adults who lead an unhealthy lifestyle. Also, children are not able to understand the persuasive character of advertising messages. However, they absorb these messages like a sponge. This may cause changes in children's behaviour. For example, some children make excessive demands on their parents for the products they see in ads, especially if these products were advertised by their favourite cartoon or film characters. And some kids even have temper tantrums in public if their parents refuse to buy this or that thing.

Q2 Do you think advertising that targets children should be banned?

Ans- Absolutely! Children are an extremely vulnerable target audience because they are cognitively and psychologically defenseless against advertising. Children take everything they see at face value, and therefore they are easy to persuade. So if the ad says that it is a Snickers that satisfies hunger best, they are likely to opt for a Snickers rather than healthy snacks. They quickly get used to consuming unhealthy food, and then they become adults who lead an unhealthy lifestyle. Also, children are not able to understand the persuasive character of advertising messages. However, they absorb these messages like a sponge. This may cause changes in children's behaviour. For example, some children make excessive demands on their parents for the products they see in ads, especially if these products were advertised by their favourite cartoon or film characters. And some kids even have temper tantrums in public if their parents refuse to buy this or that thing.

Q3 What toys are popular with boys and girls in your country now?

Ans- Well, boys adore gadgets such as smartphones and tablets, tech toys and, of course, radio controlled toys which are a great deal of fun to play with. They also enjoy getting toy cars, building and construction sets, different ride-ons and board games as presents. While girls give more preference to something more creative and intimate such as arts and crafts kits, collectibles, dolls and plush toys as well as something emphasising their femininity, for example, clothes, accessories and beauty gift sets.