Medically Monitored Children’s Web sites

 

 

As I surf the Web, I encounter numerous Web sites that market to children. The FCC has numerous guidelines for marketing to children. Marketers need to follow ethical practices when children are targets of their campaigns.

 

I know several autistic children who respond to Thomas the Train. For 60 years the Thomas Company produced durable, safe, toys that delight children. On reason Thomas the Train appeals to most children is the smile on the red train. As a children visit www.thomasandfriends.com, they see Thomas the Tug Boat and other brightly colored toys that have delighted children for 60 years. Children can print off sheet of toys to color and play memory games. These are puzzles and other educational activities mixed in with marketing. Parents need to monitors children’s visits to Web sites.

 

Most little girls have Barbie Dolls. I have one of the first Barbie Dolls from 1959. Many Young girls learn about glamour from Barbie who once was a fashion model. In the 1990’s Barbie became a dentist, pediatrician, and veterinarian. Her career options expanded as professions opened to women. A visit to www.Barbie.everythinggirl.com will trace the history of Barbie, show an array of clothing options, and show little girls how to decorate her bedroom, living room, and bathroom. There are life sized clothes and related merchandise. The mother will enjoy visiting this Web site to help the daughter make wise choices and to understand that this is a marketing Web site.

 

Little boys will get a kick out of www.hotwheels.com as they hear the sounds of engines and screaming tires. Most boys own Hot Wheels. There are video games, puzzles, and other products on the web site. Parents need to help children understand that this Web site targets children. Even though it is well done, it is a marketing tool.

 

Most children love pets. Because families lead busy lives, not everyone has a pet. If the family lives in rental property, it probably is restricted from owning them. Pets help children be kind, and they teach responsibility. Pets give a lot of love to families. When owning a real pet is not possible, a child can get a glimpse of virtual pet ownership from www.webkinz.com. A child adopts a pet, learns about pet care, and volunteers at the animal hospital. It provides a pleasant social network for elementary students.

 

Parents need to monitor what their children view on their computers.

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