There isn’t a pill that can make us thin. There isn’t a mouthwash that will make someone fall in love with us.

Teens are the targets of billions of dollars of ads each year. Parents need to help teens learn to view these ads critically. Otherwise, teens may waste their money or even put their health at risk.

Collect some ads from magazines. Or ask your teen to make a video of some ads he’s seen on TV. Look for ads that focus on health—things that promise anything from fresher breath to stronger muscles. Look at them together.

When you look at the ads, ask some questions:

• Who is the audience for this ad?

• What has the advertiser done to make the product appealing to this audience? (Using attractive models or athletes, for example.)

• What statements about the product are facts?

• What information is missing?

• Where could you get accurate information about this product?

Your teen might want to do some research to learn more about these products. He might even try rewriting ads so they give a more truthful picture.

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