Online Marketing to Kids: Strategies and Techniques Lesson Plan

Level: Grades 6 to 9

About the Author: MediaSmarts

This lesson is part of USE, UNDERSTAND & ENGAGE: A Digital Media Literacy Framework for Canadian Schools.

Overview

This lesson introduces students to the online marketing techniques that are used to target children on the Internet. It begins with a guided discussion about the similarities and differences between traditional marketing methods and online advertising and why the Internet is such a desirable medium for advertisers to reach young people. Student activities include the creation of a commercial website for kids that incorporates common marketing strategies; and an analysis of case studies about online marketing to young people.

Learning Outcomes

Students demonstrate:

• an awareness of the format and structure of online advertisements
• an awareness of the differences between television advertising and Internet marketing
• an understanding of their own reactions, as consumers, to these ads

Home and School Connection

• Protecting your privacy on commercial website
• Talking to your kids about advertising
• Dealing With Marketing: What Parents Can Do

This lesson and all associated documents (handouts, overheads, backgrounders) are available in an easy-print, pdf kit version.