to think that charities shouldn't target children as donors?

[bratnav]

I bought the DDs a mag/comic each today (ages 6 and 7) and have just been pleaded with the adopt a dolphin each after they saw an advert in their mags

AIBU to think that charities shouldn't be targeting children to donate to their causes?

Hmmm, trickly. Are the dolphins under threat from pollution etc? If so, you could always say to your DC, we won't be adopting a dolphin, but we will be writing to the Government/WWFW etc to campign for their better treatment. One of DD's friends, aged 8, wrote to Tony Blair about the trade in Sharks' Fins, and received a letter back which thrilled her and I'm sure helped to make her more interested in environmental issues. Or, if you think it's wrong to target children, write to the ed of the magazine.

This isn't a new thing, these sort of adverts were in childrens magazines when I was child in the early to mid 90's.

They were a very effective way of teaching me that my parents were skint and couldn't afford to adopt every animal cute enough to be featured in these magazines

Why not? I'd rather children were targetted by charities than clothes/food/toy manufacturers. And why not give them some idea of the problems of the world.

I remember in 1975 being asked to bring in 2p to sign a petition for Save The Whale - I was 5. I remember being in tears at what happened to whales and asking my mum for 5p instead of 2p

I have no problem with them being aware of issues, in fact I think it is important that they know that they don't live in a cushy middle class bubble and that everyone else does the same. I just feel that advertising in a childrens mag/comic is a bit off.

If my kids saw such an ad and wanted to adopt an animal, that would mean something Nanny could get them for xmas that would not end up gathering dust under the bed!

had these when my eldest was small the zoo's do the adoption ideas as well helps look after the animals, don't think its a bad idea makes them realise that there are endangered species.