Shocking ad should upset parents of teens

I watched a couple of programs on MuchMusic recently, which is a division of CHUM Limited, a Canadian radio and television network that provides entertainment shows and information to the public. MuchMusic broadcasts across North America and around the world and its principal listeners/viewers are teenagers.

Nothing wrong with that, of course. However, what I really object to is an advertisment I've seen twice in the past week promoting MasterCard. In the commercial, one sees a teenager in a high chair being told by his mother that he cannot have something he wants. In other words, she is supposedly treating him like a baby.

The commercial goes on to say that any teen 16 years and older can get a MasterCard. Then you hear: "It's time to free yourself. It's as easy as loading it and spending it."

I could not believe my ears. My daughters are now grown and on their own, but if I had seen this when they were teens, I would have been outraged. How dare a credit card company tell your teens that they can have whatever their little hearts desire so the MasterCard can charge a ridiculous interest rate and make tons of money?

I think all parents should be aware of this promotion. Freedom to spend irresponsibly is never a good think, but in the hands of a teenager - well, must I say more? We all know that it's very easy to get hooked on credit and drive ourselves financially into the ground. Parents don't need their teens helping them get there. If I were still a parent of teens, I would strongly protest this. Your pocket books would thank you for it!