We often believe that childhood is one of the most carefree and innocent times of our lives, a time when social hierarchies and brand names had no meaning and value. We thought children didn't have to worry about fitting in or being popular and could use their imaginations to bring any old object to life. However, this view of childhood is idealistic and unlikely. Children are often seen as passive and easily manipulated subjects. However, it is important to recognize that children are complex and have the ability to observe and reflect. Since the development of early forms of media, advertising has become a popular way to make money and increase brand awareness. Marketers targeted their ads at seemingly passive social groups such as women and children. In the 1980s the commercialization of youth culture became popular. Nowadays, even the littlest ones ask for branded toys. Today the children's market is the most profitable market of all. The youth of this decade have been exposed to more advertising than any other generation in history and this has left some negative effects on our youth. This essay will discuss the history of children's advertising, the reasons for the success of the children's market, the marketing strategies used to attract children, and the effects of the commercialization of youth culture. The American teen market was founded during World War II and the post-war period (Quart, 2003). Marketers hoped that teenagers would spend money on movies, cosmetics and music. Clearly, the phrase "get 'em while they're still young" is extremely relevant today. When some companies began targeting ads toward children, it was because early understandings of human psychology explained that children… at the center of the paper… are surrounded every day by radio, print media, television and the Internet. , it seems natural, unfortunately. Technology has become a way of life: it is part of our daily lives and this does not necessarily have to be a bad thing. What is important is to understand the effects technology has on a macro and micro level and carefully navigate around such powerful forces. Businesses and technology are similar in that they do not care about individual psychological and emotional well-being. They serve one purpose and that is to convey the message! It doesn't matter how it happens, it just has to be done. It is up to society as a whole to teach our young people that life is more than just clothes and cars, because this message will not be conveyed through the media. We are more than what we possess and it is important for our young people to know this.