Disney Channel
Graphic Unicef Ads Inappropriate for Preschool Children

Being a parent of two pre-school children, the Unicef ads on the Disney Channel Junior are highly inappropriate. Working in the advertising industry myself, I can somewhat understand the need for raising brand awareness to children on the channel but not with the visuals Unicef currently use and the message to contribute a donation. Graphic images of African children who are homeless and starving is highly inappropriate - it scares and confuses young children.

From watching the advert, my 4 year old son now thinks that all black people are poor and don't live as long as everyone else - what a position to put a parent in to explain! Please Unicef, if you are going to advertise on a children's channel, make it a campaign specifically aimed at children. For instance, an ad about the good a donation will do or the fulfillment people/children get from taking part in fundraising events. Maybe even an ad on how children can help - write a letter to another child, donate old toys or clothing etc. Seeing happy and smiling faces as a result of fundraising is much more motivational to watch rather than depressing images of children suffering.

Shame on Disney for not protecting our children from such messages and implanting incorrect views on the other people and children around them. As adults and parents we are already aware of the deprivation in these areas, so we don't need to see it over and over again especially via a children's channel!

Company: Disney Channel
Country: USA

  <     >