Writing an IELTS essay on advertising to children demands balanced discussion of ethical concerns, regulatory approaches, health impacts, and economic arguments. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 (Academic and General Training modules), challenging candidates to evaluate whether advertising targeted at minors should face restrictions or bans.
Recent data underscores urgency: UNICEF reports 1 in 10 children globally lives with obesity, largely linked to ultra-processed food marketing. Studies show children may encounter unhealthy marketing up to 76 times daily in some regions. Global kids’ digital advertising spend reached billions in 2025, projected to grow further amid online platforms.
Develop Compelling Arguments to Strengthen Your IELTS Essay on Advertising to Children
Effective arguments drive band 7+ scores by showing depth and balance. Focus on reader benefits: stronger essays lead to higher bands and better exam outcomes.
Key arguments for restrictions/bans:
- Health impact — Junk food ads contribute to obesity; UK data shows 22.2% of Year 6 children obese, higher in deprived areas. Exposure increases calorie intake by ~130 daily after brief ad sessions.
- Vulnerability — Young children lack critical thinking to distinguish ads from reality (pester power).
- Regulatory precedents — Norway’s 2025 comprehensive ban on unhealthy food marketing to under-18s; UK’s 2026 pre-watershed and online HFSS ad restrictions; US state laws limiting targeted ads to minors.
Arguments against outright bans:
- Economic freedom — Advertising supports jobs and informs consumers.
- Parental responsibility — Education over prohibition empowers families.
- Self-regulation — Industry codes (e.g., CFBAI in US) have reduced some TV exposures.
Use a balanced approach: partially agree/disagree with clear opinion in conclusion.
Master Essential Vocabulary for High-Scoring IELTS Essays on Children’s Advertising
Rich vocabulary improves lexical resource scores. Integrate naturally for coherence.
Core topic vocabulary (with examples):
- Pester power: Children’s repeated requests influence parental purchases (e.g., toy ads during cartoons).
- Vulnerable consumers: Minors easily swayed by persuasive techniques.
- Consumerism: Excessive focus on buying driven by targeted marketing.
- Regulatory measures: Government bans or restrictions, like Norway’s 2025 policy.
- Persuasive techniques: Emotional appeals, celebrity endorsements, or interactive digital ads.
- Ultra-processed foods (UPF): Linked to obesity via aggressive marketing.
- Digital exposure: Online platforms amplify reach; 95% of preschool apps contain ads.
- Ethical implications: Exploitation of children’s developmental stage.
- Self-regulatory codes: Voluntary industry guidelines with limited enforcement.
Phrases for discussion:
- “It is widely argued that…”
- “This raises serious concerns regarding…”
- “From an economic standpoint…”
- “Stringent regulations could…”
Practice by replacing basic words (e.g., “bad” → “detrimental”; “affect” → “exacerbate”).
Apply Key Grammar Structures to Achieve Band 8+ in IELTS Writing Task 2
Grammatical range and accuracy are pivotal. Use variety to avoid repetition and demonstrate control.
Recommended structures with examples:
- Complex sentences: “While advertising stimulates the economy, it can exacerbate childhood obesity when targeted at impressionable young minds.”
- Conditionals: “If governments imposed stricter bans, children’s exposure to unhealthy marketing would decrease significantly.”
- Passives: “Children are constantly bombarded with advertisements across digital platforms.”
- Relative clauses: “Advertising, which often employs cartoon characters, appeals directly to young audiences.”
- Comparatives/Superlatives: “Regulations in Norway are more comprehensive than those in many other countries.”
- Reported speech/opinion: “Experts argue that self-regulation has proven insufficient.”
Mix tenses (present simple for facts, present perfect for recent trends like 2025-2026 bans) and modals (“should,” “could,” “might”) for nuance.
Create a Logical Essay Structure for IELTS Topics on Advertising to Children
A clear 4-paragraph structure ensures coherence and cohesion (band 7+).
- Introduction (40-60 words): Paraphrase prompt + thesis statement (your position).
- Body Paragraph 1: Main argument + explanation + example + link.
- Body Paragraph 2: Opposing view or second argument + counter + example.
- Conclusion: Summarize + restate opinion + implication.
Tips for flow:
- Topic sentences first.
- Linking words: “Furthermore,” “In contrast,” “Consequently,” “To illustrate.”
- Aim 250+ words (ideal 270-320).
Pros vs Cons Comparison Table:
| Aspect | Arguments For Ban/Restriction | Arguments Against Ban |
|---|---|---|
| Health | Reduces obesity risk (e.g., +130 kcal post-ads) | Parental choice & education suffice |
| Economy | Protects vulnerable groups | Limits commercial speech & innovation |
| Regulation Examples | Norway 2025 ban, UK 2026 rules | US voluntary codes reduced TV exposure |
| Child Development | Prevents pester power & materialism | Teaches media literacy |
Study and Emulate This Band 9 Model Answer for Advertising to Children
Prompt: Some people believe that advertising to children should be banned completely, while others argue it is a necessary part of a free market. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Model Answer (Band 9):
In recent years, the ethics of advertising directed at children have sparked intense debate. While some advocate for a complete ban due to its harmful effects, others contend that such marketing is essential for economic vitality. This essay will examine both perspectives before concluding that targeted restrictions, rather than a total prohibition, represent the most balanced approach.
On the one hand, opponents highlight the detrimental impact on children’s health and well-being. Youngsters, lacking the cognitive maturity to evaluate persuasive messages, are particularly susceptible to advertisements for unhealthy foods and toys. For instance, exposure to junk food marketing has been shown to increase daily calorie intake by an average of 130 calories, contributing to the global childhood obesity crisis where approximately one in ten children is affected. Countries like Norway, which implemented a comprehensive ban on unhealthy food marketing to those under 18 in 2025, demonstrate that regulatory intervention can safeguard developing minds without stifling all commerce.
On the other hand, proponents argue that advertising fuels innovation and informs consumers within a free-market system. It supports industries that provide employment and choice. Moreover, outright bans could infringe on freedom of expression and prove unenforceable in the digital age. Self-regulatory initiatives in the US have already reduced adolescent exposure to certain food ads on television from nearly 6,000 to under 1,000 annually in recent years.
In my opinion, while a total ban may be impractical, governments should enforce stricter regulations, such as time-based restrictions on broadcast media and prohibitions on targeted digital advertising to minors. By adopting measures similar to the UK’s phased 2026 restrictions on HFSS products, societies can mitigate harms while preserving economic benefits.
In conclusion, although advertising to children poses significant risks, targeted regulations offer a pragmatic solution that protects youth without unduly restricting commerce. (Word count of model: 298)
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Conclusion
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FAQ
1. What is a common IELTS prompt on advertising to children? Typical prompts ask: “Advertising aimed at children should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” or discuss both views on ethics vs. free market.
2. How many words should my IELTS Task 2 essay be? Aim for at least 250 words; 270-320 is ideal for development without rushing.
3. Are there countries with bans on advertising to children in 2026? Yes, Norway’s 2025 ban on unhealthy food marketing to under-18s is active; UK’s full HFSS restrictions apply from early 2026; several US states limit targeted ads to minors.
4. How can I improve vocabulary quickly for this topic? Learn thematic sets (pester power, regulatory measures) and practice in full sentences. Use tools like WritingChex for targeted suggestions.
5. What grammar mistakes are common in such essays? Overusing simple sentences, article errors, or inconsistent tense. Focus on complex structures and conditionals.
6. Does WritingChex support both Academic and General Training? Yes, it provides module-specific feedback and simulations for both.
7. Is WritingChex really free with no limits? Absolutely—completely free forever, with unlimited essay checks and simulations.
8. How soon can I see score improvement using these strategies? Many users report 0.5-1 band gains within 4-6 weeks of regular practice and feedback.
