Youth Development


Feature Writer: Susan Carney
Susan Carney, lifetouch

Are you often overwhelmed by the issues kids are facing today? If so, you've come to the right place! This is the spot for information and ideas about promoting positive development in young people.

We'll talk about teen issues such as internet safety, tobacco prevention, and body image, and discuss building skills such as anger management and refusal strategies. Most importantly, we will focus on empowering kids and helping them develop the leadership skills that will allow them to advocate for themselves and others.

We'll also talk about how youth workers can strengthen their relationships with kids and be more powerful role models.

Be sure to check out previous articles, blogs and discussions in Youth Development!

Full Youth Development blog

Go Ahead and Jump, Holly Miller-McGuire
feature articles
Susan Carney

Teens and The Choking Game

In: At-Risk Youth Support

The Choking Game, known also by names such as the Black Out or the Pass Out Game, is well-known among adolescents but may be unfamiliar to parents and youth workers. more...

Setting Limits with Kids and Teens

In: At-Risk Youth Support

Many adults who work with teens often find it challenging to set appropriate limits without escalating situations into arguments or power struggles. more...

Travel Tips for Teens and Their Families

In: Youth Development (general)

Summer means vacations, and vacations usually means road trips in one form or another.
Several hours in a car with other family members can seem like forever to a teen.
more...

Teens and Impulse Spending

In: Youth Development (general)

More disposable income than ever before, coupled with targeted advertising that takes advantage of their vulnerabilities, has helped to turn teens into impulse spenders. more...

Helping Teens Learn Responsibility

In: Youth Development (general)

People often lament that kids lack the ability to act responsibly. But what exactly does that mean, and how can youth workers and parents promote responsible behavior? more...

All feature articles in Youth Development

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feature blog
Susan Carney

Aug 2, 2008

Marketing to Kids and Teens

Join the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood in petitioning the democratic and republican parties to make a commitment to helping kids and families.


As the time to our national election grows shorter, the issues we are concerned about are being talked about more and more. The Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood is working hard to bring the issue of marketing to children to the forefront of these discussions.

Why? Childhood obesity, poor body image, the sexualization of children, the glorification of violence, materialism and selfishness, underage drinking, tobacco use among kids… these are only a few of the issues effecting kids’ health and well-being today that are directly linked to marketing unhealthy products and attitudes directly at kids and teens.

Those who are equally concerned about these issues and their impact on kids and families can take action. You can add your name to CCFC petitions to either the Democratic or Republican parties, and ask your friends and families to do the same. The petition urges the party to “adopt a platform plank that commits the party to protecting children from the excesses of the marketing-driven media industry.”

This is a great opportunity to pull kids into the political process, as well. Talk to them about these issues and get their opinions about how marketing impacts them and how they think about themselves. Give them the change to sign the petition, have their voice heard, and spread the word. They’ll be getting great practice at learning how to understand issues, and getting involved in solutions, as well.

Full Youth Development blog

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