Question

In a recent article (As McDonald's Targets Chronically Sick Kids, Is It Unethical?), Robyn O'Brien writes:

In an effort to protect children’s health around the globe, there has been a growing call to end the marketing of junk foods to children. Jack in the Box has responded, as has KFC Australia, but here in the US, our children are still exposed to a tsunami of ads, on TV, online and in school.

The Institute of Medicine and the National Bureau of Economic Research find ending junk food marketing directed at kids could spare the health of millions of children. The White House, four federal agencies (the FTC, FDA, CDC and USDA) recommend curbing junk food marketing kids and the American Academy of Pediatrics goes even further recommending Congress ban junk food advertising during children’s programming.

But it’s still a no-go here in the US. The fast food industry spends more than $5 million per day marketing unhealthy foods to kids.

In 2010, the food and beverage industry spent over $40 billion lobbying congress against several regulations including those that would decrease the marketing of unhealthy foods to kids, and potential soda taxes. That’s about ten times more money than the entire FDA budget for the year.

The question, then, is whether it is unethical for companies like McDonald's or Coca-Cola to target its advertising to children. Should there be restrictions on the advertising of fast-food and carbonated beverages to children?   

Answer 1

The question, then, is whether it is unethical for companies like McDonald's or Coca-Cola to target its advertising to children. Should there be restrictions on the advertising of fast-food and carbonated beverages to children?

I do not think there should be restrictions on advertising to children; personally I think it is a waste of time and money to advertise to children as they do not have money or the ability to buy these products.

I know the intent is for the kid to see the advertising and then cry and whine to their parents until the parent gives in and purchase their kids these products; however, it is up to the parent to be responsible enough to know what is good for their kids.

I am the parent of three kids that range from 9 to 15, they see the advertisements and they want me to buy them this stuff; however, as a responsible adult and parent I limit what I purchase for my kids. Every now and then I will take them to McDonald’s for a snack or a meal, let them have a sugary drink, or purchase sugary cereals, but it is very limited and usually only as a treat.

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