School children
To help your child understand the underlying messages she may be picking up from ads, talk about the reasons for making ads. Point out how ads may aim to inform, entertain, or persuade you to buy something.
2. Ask your child questions about ads.
Who do you think made this ad? What do you think the message is? What might the advertiser not be telling us? Does anyone live like that? Does that look real to you?
3. Explain to your child why you buy the things you do.
Make it clear that the purchases you make are a conscious choice. Let him or her know for example that it's important to you that your family eats healthily, or that you are cost conscious.
4. Foster awareness about new forms of advertising on the Web.
Point out banner ads (the ads that flash across the top of your screen) and show your child that many food companies have online games as part of their advertising strategy. Remind your child never to give out personal or contact information online.
5. Point out product placement in store.
When your child comes shopping with you, talk about where foods are placed within the store. 'What types of food are at the checkout?'. 'Why are they there?'. Chat about how the foods at eye level catch your attention more so then those on the bottom shelf. Ask your child to look around and tell you about what he or she sees.
6. Draw attention to sports sponsorship.
The sports and activities your child participates in, or supports, may be sponsored by a food or drink product. Ask older children why a food company might do that? How does the association with this sport help the food product? Does it create a certain image?