The Harm of Advertising

The American Academy of Pediatrics has expressed concern that inappropriate advertising contributes to many problems among today's young people including: obesity, anorexia, alcohol, and sexual promiscuity. They estimate that young people watch more than 40,000 ads a year on TV, and are exposed to tens of thousands more through the internet and print media. They have recommended a number of steps to curb advertising, especially to children. While critics cry freedom of speech, the academy report points out the Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium all limit ads directed at young people. (Chicago Tribune December 4, 2006 sec. 1 p. 7)