Great Green Idea: Green Parenting: Teaching Teens: Taming the Advertising Giant

Teaching Teens: Taming the Advertising Giant

Advertising is everywhere and teens are usually well aware of it through many years of seeing advertisements. Along with the advent of game systems, many teens are always looking for new games to play and so on. In a sense, advertising become a giant in their lives. They desire to experience life and are very curious.

Purpose of Advertising

The purpose of advertising is to inform, tease and persuade consumers to purchase "needed" products. Teenagers are game for thinking they need many things which are not always necessary. Advertising is used on television, radio, mail flyers as well as packaging.

Teaching Teens

Teaching teens is very important to help them to learn to make good choices in adulthood. Learning how advertising works as well as evaluating "needed" versus "unnecessary" purchases will help to tame the advertising giant in their lives.

Lesson Plans

Lesson plans or nuggets of teaching can help teens gain understanding in life concerning advertising. Teaching about advertising techniques, information contained in advertising, validity of advertisements (deception or misleading ads) as well as allowing opportunities to explore will help teens in life.

Methods of Advertising

Various methods of advertising are used by companies promoting their products. Companies' word advertising in enticing ways to the public with the intent of the consumer transferring feeling associated with the product. Testimonials are also used as a way to increase desired "ownership" of the advertised product.

Headlines

Headlines are a very important part of written advertisements. If the headline catches the reader's attention, they will look further into the advertisement. Catchy words or phrases are used to draw the reader in.

Exploration

Allow the teen to explore by creating a personal advertisement. They can see how persuasion is needed as well as other components involved in selling the product. Teens can also critique various ads seen and discuss with the family feelings or thoughts about the viewing.

Replacing the Desire

Teens must learn how to replace the desire for advertised products in many cases. They must learn whether the product is essential to life or a pleasure. What other products are available instead of the product being promoted? Is there another item that is similar that is less expensive? Is the product harmful to my health? All these are questions teenagers can learn to ask when bombarded by advertising.

Quality Time

Families are very busy in this day and age. Quality time is scarce in many families. It is necessary to help our teens to discover and conquer things in life, including the advertising giant. By doing so, many future challenge can be overcome with proper instruction and help. In doing so, you can make a huge impact for your child!