Criticism of Websites Aimed at Children in the Name of Profit

Consumer groups criticize Web sites for manipulating children in the name of profit

Featured on NPR’s Future Tense from 5/13/08. Go to the site to get the link to listen to the free podcast.

Specifically sites Millsberry.com (General Mills’ cereal focused kid website) as the worst (/best…from a marketer’s perspective) of kid targeted gaming sites.

Consumer Reports Webwatch and the Mediatech Foundation recently gave video cameras to parents from 10 families and asked them to videotape children visiting their favorite game Web sites, like Webkinz and Nick Jr.

Study author Warren Buckleitner, editor of the Children’s Technology Review, says the videos show children being manipulated too often, and being brought to tears by enticing offers that ultimately disappoint.

JTH