No Kidding, All Business: Children, Advertising and Society

Abstract

Ours is an ancient nation with traditional values. We have been groomed on the staple diet of “Boond Boond Se Sagar Bharta.” Till 15-20 years ago, children were not expected as potential consumers. How to save money was the mandatory lesson to be learnt by every kid in Indian families. After the school hours, they were after grandma to tell them a story or they went to nearby park to pluck mangoes or catch a butterfly. Children hardly received any pocket money. If they had money, it was for saving, not for spending. They would always save up for a cricket bat, football, annual picnic or school fee. But now the kids are no more the same. In fact, children rule the world of brand marketing. They have not only changed but have also had a profound effect on the way we buy, shop and live. They don’t play with their siblings and cousins but they enjoy computer games, watch Cartoon Network and do surfing. And the change is not restricted to play alone. Changes seem to have taken place in all their activities they are involved in.They avoid wearing shirts, jeans or sneakers but are proudly after branded wears like Arrows, Levis, Nikes and Reeboks. They don’t eat penny candy, drink nimbu pani or relish Sattu, rather they slurp Pepsi and Coke, eat Lays, McDonalds, Nestles and Cadburys. Children understand market well and they go to Big Bazars, Shopper’s stops, Gaps and Benettons.The paper represents the existing advertising practices and reflects the common concern that marketing communications in the context of children need to be both sensitive and responsible towards children, families and of course, society.