What are the impacts that television advertisements have on our children's health?

           Advertisements use of psychology and marketing make it extremely hard for children to understand the truth behind the product that they want. In a generation that is revolutionized by technology and prides itself on economic and entrepreneurial freedom, it may seem difficult to censor advertisements glorifying unhealthy habits to young viewers. However, with the help of regulations of how the products are marketed, companies could be enforced to give correct and necessary information about their product to viewers, specifically young viewers and their parents causing them to understand that their seemingly fun food item is actually a danger to their health. I agree with the argument that government regulations should be in place and believe that with enforcement and regulations the rate of child obesity will significantly decrease.

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         However, if the U.S. government is not imposing the regulations needed to censor the advertisements that glorify unhealthy advertisements targeted to children, then the television companies themselves need to make the restrictions. The television companies who are considered to be self-regulated should limit and restrict what they display for their viewers and review all advertisements. With the significant increase in the health of children due to the error of technology, restrictions need to be made. The argument that television companies should not sell advertising space to companies marketing unhealthy foods towards children is a true and important argument for our society. As children are increasingly watching more television, spending less time with physical activity, television program companies regulating their own advertising are necessary to ensure the safe and healthy growth of our youth. 

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        This being said, it seems difficult to consider advertisements to be a positive tool. Advertisements can be used to display positive messages. The question is, however, how often do they display positive messages? If regulations were in place and there was a dramatic increase in the number of commercials glorifying healthy foods, advertisements could be one of the best techniques to tackle child obesity, diabetes, and the start of other unhealthy habits. Advertisements could be an extremely positive technique if programs and companies created more commercials and displays focusing on healthy products or gave warnings on their product that may cause harm. The habits and diets of children from early on have significant effects on their future, their growth, and possibly their lifestyle from then on. It is important that people continue to research and create implications to use the power of advertising to use to the advantage of children’s health in a positive way.