NEW ONLINE VIDEO GAMES SELL JUNK FOOD TO KIDS

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NEW ONLINE VIDEO GAMES SELL JUNK FOOD TO KIDS

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