Teach kids how to resist advertising and be smart consumers

Advertising is everywhere, and they don't always look like ads. Teach your kids how to resist them and be smart consumers. (Dreamstime)

Commercials are nothing new. We all grew up with them and can probably sing a dozen or more jingles. What is new is how advertisers have adapted to digital media – especially apps, websites, and social media. 

Many of today's ads – from product placements in movies and on TV to online contests, viral videos, and "chatbots" (robots that send instant messages) – don't look like ads. And that's by design.