Law Commons^™

Barbie Banished From The Small Screen: The Proposed European Ban On Children's Television Advertising, Janice H. Kang

Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business

This Comment first presents a brief history of European policy governing children's television advertising in Europe and lists the current regula-tions in the various EU member states, ranging from Britain's deferential guidelines to Sweden's draconian stance. The next two sections examine arguments both for and against the ban. Impassioned consumer advocates decry television advertising to children as preying upon young impressionable minds; indignant industry groups marshal arguments such as the increasing sophistication of children and the freedom of commercial speech. Finally, after forecasting a doubtful future for the proposed absolute ban on children's television across Europe, this Comment concludes that …