Psychologist Susan Linn presents an unsettling picture of the marketing industry"s $15 billion yearly effort to target our children and create "brand loyalty" from cradle to grave. Her book exposes the lack of ethics in advertising to children and links childhood obesity, increased violence, eating disorders, sexual precosity, substance abuse and loss of creativity to increased consumerism. and media messages.
She advocates a concerted effort on the part of educators, health professionals and legislators to take a stand against this out of control assault on childhood. She clearly feels that families need support in standing against this trend, and states that it is naïve to think that parents can just say “no” as the issues are so complex and the power of the media so strong.
On Tuesday May 27th at 7 p.m. at Linnaea School we will meet to discuss this book. Dayna will present the main ideas presented in Susan Linns book and briefly outline her observations of the effects of media on childrens play. Then we will share experience as parents. in regards to media and consumerism and our children....successes and struggles...ways in which we can support one another and advocate for change. The evening is open to parents of all ages.