Alcohol ad mainly targeted at teens and children
IRON MOUNTAIN -- It's estimated that the average person spends 16 years of their life watching TV. During that time, the viewer is bombarded with advertisements for various products including alcohol. But while the legal drinking age is 21, these ads are aimed at kids and teenagers, causing problems.
"Well I think one of the biggest problems is that it doesn't show the consequences of alcohol use. Quite often within advertising, particularly in relationship dynamics, we know that in 80 percent of sexual assaults that occur in the United States, alcohol is a factor," said guest speaker Jeff Smith from the Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy.
And TV isn't the only way alcohol is marketed. Movies, video games, and even clothing send messages aimed at underage youth.
But attendees were hoping kids would be able to read between the lines.
"I'm hoping they're going to just get some more information on things they can do to help deter negative behaviors and information they can share with their peers and, therefore, bring back a stronger community sense to their peer groups and their school," said Norway girls varsity volleyball coach, Nicole Anderson.
For the students attending, including a girl's volleyball team, they hoped to be able to spread a positive message.
"It sends out a good message about sports being involved with no alcohol, no drugs, and it's just really important that they have a good connection together. They're both very positive," said volleyball player, Brooke Bosch.
Not only did the session analyze commercials to see how teens and kids can be persuaded by the media, but they also learned how to use their own forms of media to send a positive message.
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