It's important that consumers voice their opinions about advertising to the industry.

To comment on a print advertisement:

• Contact the magazine or newspaper in question and the company that owns the publication.
• For Canadian publications, you should also contact Advertising Standards Canada (ASC), using the complaints form on their Web site. If you send a letter, you should enclose a copy of the offending advertisement.
  
  

To comment on a commercial on TV or radio:

• Contact the TV or radio station in question.
• You should also send your comments to Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC), using the complaint forms on their Web sites.
  
  You should have the following information when making a complaint about an ad on TV or radio: the station on which it was aired; the date and approximate time it aired; the name of the product; and why you think the advertisement contravenes Canadian advertising codes. For information on the codes see the Understanding Advertising Guidelines and Codes section.
  
  

To comment on advertisements for adult or teen-rated movies shown during children's movies or TV:

• If the advertisement is shown at a theatre during a movie meant for a younger audience, complain to the theatre management.
• If the ad is shown on TV during programming meant for young children, you should contact the TV station in question. You should also send your comments to Advertising Standards Canada (ASC), the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC), using the complaint forms on their Web sites.
  
  

To comment on commercials in movie theatres:

• If you object to sitting through a string of commercials in a theatre before the feature film starts, you can lodge a complaint with the theatre management.
  
  

To comment on the marketing of toys based on adult entertainment, such as mature or adult-rated movies or video games:

• If the advertisement is on television, contact the TV station in question.
• You should also send your comments to Advertising Standards Canada (ASC), the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC), using the complaint forms on their Web sites.
• If the advertisement is in a magazine, contact the magazine or newspaper in question and the company that owns the publication. For Canadian publications, you should also contact Advertising Standards Canada (ASC), using the complaints form on their Web site.
• As well, check your local toy store to see if it sells children's toys that are based on adult entertainment. Send a letter to the store manager, and your local newspaper, outlining your concerns.
  
  

Don't forget about positive feedback!

• Marketers need to be complimented when they produce socially responsible, positive advertisements. The About-Face Web site features examples of advertisements that promote positive images of women and children.
  

Get active! Organize an anti-consumerism event in your school or community.

Host a Violent Toy Turn-In event at your school, church or community centre:

• Invite families in your community to turn in their violent toys, such as action figures, guns and other weapons. If you hold your event during the Christmas shopping season you can make it into a toy fair and invite neighbourhood toy stores to set up displays of non-violent toys and books.
  
  Enlist the help of a local artist to create a sculpture from the toys that are turned in. Make sure to invite the media to cover your event. For more information, see the 10 Steps to Planning a Successful Violent Toy Turn-In Day handout.
  
  

Celebrate Buy Nothing Day with your school or Guide/Scout unit:

• The idea behind this international event is to encourage consumers to examine their spending habits, and to think about the effect of mass consumerism on the cultural and natural environment of the world.
  
  Contact your local media and ask them to cover your activities. For more information, see Buy Nothing Day: Activities for the Classroom and Home.
  
  

Stop commercialization in your school or school district:

• Work with your school's parent and student councils and your school trustees to develop guidelines for commercialization in your school or district.
  
  Make sure your local media is aware of your efforts. For more information, see the Making Your School a Commercial-Free Zone tip sheet.
  

Educate parents in your school community:

• Organize a parent media awareness group at your school. You can gauge the level of interest (and clarify your priorities and goals) by sending a copy of the Your Family and Media survey home to parents with your school newsletter.