Released November 11, 2008
STILLWATER, Okla. – Children age 12 and under are reported to spend billions of dollars on goods and services every year.
The Federal Trade Commission recently launched a new Web site http://www.ftc.gov/YouAreHere which takes kids on journey that teaches them to be more knowledgeable consumers.
Glenn Muske, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service interim associate dean, assistant director, family and consumer sciences, said the site demonstrates the benefits of competition, how advertising can influence buying decisions and the rules and regulations many business people deal with.
“This is a great tool for parents and teachers to assist kids in learning their role in the marketplace,” Muske said. “The site features guides that are animated who help visitors navigate a virtual mall and interact with shopkeepers and other consumers.”
While on the site, kids can design and print advertisements for a shoe store, uncover doubtful claims in an ad and guess the retail price of different candies based on supply, demand and production costs.
Muske said this site takes a unique approach to consumer tips and the role of business and government in daily life.
“Parents and teachers can use the site’s fact sheets that cover advertising, marketing and competition in a detailed look and get ideas for related activities,” he said. “This site could be used in the classroom for activities covering consumer economics, social studies, government, history and language arts.”
--30--
Contact: Katie L. Reim, 405-744-6792, katie.reim@okstate.edu
