URGENT Debt Ads on Childrens TV

ChocClare

Nicktoons 19:28
Direct Line loan ad after Fairly Odd Parents

Kids are on board to help with this. I couldn't agree more that we need to get rid of these ads from the kids' channels - doesn't the UK have the largest personal debt in Europe already without encouraging kids to think it is normal to live beyond their means?

ChocClare

Nicktoons, 19:44
The One Account ad
in the middle of Invader Zim.

Debt/loan/mortgage ads come thick and fast on Nicktoons!

mountainofdebt

Going ever so slightly off topic but

didn't that actress who played the rep in Time Gentlemen Please once comment (I think it was on have I got news for you) that her young daughter ask her in all seriousness ask if she was a homeowner who needed some extra finance?

And they say advertising doesn't work

Trow

Ocean Finance was on Toonami at about 20.40, according to my daugher (I have roped in my kids to help)

And I think it is us parents that need to thank you Martin, rather than the other way around.

Mado

Don't watch kids telly other than cBBC in our house (don't watch much telly full stop) and absolutely NO idea other channels were adverstising financial products.
Discusting

ceegee

My 13 year old daughter had personal finance lessons at school recently, and whenever these ads come on she is horrified at the interest rates. Seeing one advert today, she exclaimed, horrified, "look at that......29.9% APR!"

That's my girl!!!!! :cool:

hobo28

Hi all

This is an interesting campaign. I must admit I do get annoyed with the adverts but had never thought about the issues regarding showing them on childrens TV channels. At first I thought, yes definately a good idea but then I started thinking. I hope people don't mind me posting my thoughts and I would enjoy a sensible debate.

1) The average age of children who watch children's TV channels are likely to be way too young to ever get a loan. The ads therefore must be aimed at the parents. Do the children even comprehend the adverts? I doubt it even registers in my 8 yr old's mind.

2) In a free society, surely it is up to the individuals to be responsible enough to say "No" and since society dictates that at 18 you are an adult, surely people are free to get themselves into debt if they so desire. It really annoys me when people blame the bank for the fact they are in debt because they sent them a credit card! Its not like they forced you to spend on it!!!

3) Surely it is the jobs of parents to teach their kids to be responsible with money? These adverts are very annoying but I can see how it could help some people.

4) If we start banning stuff like this, where would it stop? Do we ban Mcdonald's advertising because they sell junk food? What about ads depicting selfishness (eg Terry's Chocolate Orange "It's mine, all mine".)

Am I making sense? I would not shed any tears if the ads did get banned but do wonder where the nanny state stops and personal responsibility kicks in?

I do admire Martin though for actually trying to change something he believes in.

MSE_Martin

Remember we are not calling on a ban. This isn't about the law, this is about asking Childrens TV channels to be responsible, to end the advertising of debt to children. This isn't a civil liberties or freedom issue, this is about responsible broadcasting.

The fact I choose not to allow adverts on this site, isn't an impact on anyones freedom, it is a choice as a responsible Consumer Revenge site not to mix adverts in with editorial. I'm asking the same in this case of Childrens TV channels, to have respect for their audience.

Of course they can choose not to do so, this isn't about legislation. If they choose not to do so then we should educate people not to allow their children to watch such channels something i will be campaigning on.

martin

Jay-Jay_4

Until today I had no idea of the loan adverts on childrens TV (we usually watch CBeebies /CBBC) but after spending a couple of hours today monitoring adverts (on my own :rolleyes: , one in bed and one in school!) I'm rather concerned about what's being advertised in the commercial breaks.

The YES car credit advert implies that you turn up at the car sales room and drive off in any car you fancy, no problem. The loan company adverts are not quite as eye catching for children but still manage to gradually convince children that money is easy to come by....'just a simple phone call'
(It's not only loan stuff it's 'firming body cream' and 'ahem' feminine hygiene products too why oh why do our children need to see this on a dedicated childrens channel?)

mandi

Martin,

do you think you could do sweets,toys, junk food and crazy frog too please.....totally brain washed.... :mad: