Talking to Kids about Deceptive Advertising
Teach your children well, about ads.
Advertising to Kids
With the power to influence parents’ purchasing decisions, their own financial resources and as future adult consumers, children are a valued target audience for marketers.
What You Need to Know
Seen or heard a deceptive ad? Report an Ad
Legal Actions
Roblox
TINA.org found metaverse gaming platform rife with deceptive marketing issues.
Ghost
TINA.org and the UConn Rudd Center found energy drink company using a multifaceted deceptive marketing campaign directed at minors.
Ryan ToysReview
TINA.org investigation revealed popular YouTube channel misleadingly blurring the distinction between advertising and organic content in violation of FTC law.
In the Press
Roblox ads enticed, targeted kids as young as 5 to try caffeinated potato chips, watchdog says
Lisa Fickenscher, New York Post
How Marketers Trick Kids, and Why Parents Should Worry
Herb Weisbaum, Consumers’ Checkbook
Roblox Bid for Ad Riches Collides With Wary Sponsors, Developers
Cecilia D’Anastasio, Bloomberg
The Latest
Dunkin’ | Pumpkin Spice ft. Rachel Dratch, Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell
The Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte origin story.
‘Masters of the Universe’ on Roblox
Alani Nu Facing Increased Scrutiny over Marketing to Kids
TINA.org Prompts Removal of Anti-Aging Products from Roblox Game
Roblox Still Exposing Minors to Deceptive, Harmful Ads
Monetizing Minors
Class Actions
SNOO Smart Sleeper
Product/Service
SNOO Smart Sleeper baby bassinets
Allegations
Misleadingly marketing that products come equipped with app-based features without disclosing that certain features require consumers to pay a recurring subscription fee
Status
Pending
SNOO Smart Sleeper
Case Name (Date)
Abdolrazek et al. v. Happiest Baby, Inc.
26-cv-9284, N.D. Cal.
(July 2026)
Product/Service
SNOO Smart Sleeper baby bassinets
Allegations
Misleadingly marketing that products come equipped with app-based features without disclosing that certain features require consumers to pay a recurring subscription fee
Status
Pending
Pottery Barn Kids Time-Limited Discounts and Promotions
Case Name (Date)
Cowan et al. v. Williams-Sonoma Stores, Inc. d/b/a Pottery Barn Kids
26-cv-3073, D. Md.
(June 2026)
Product/Service
Pottery Barn Kids merchandise
Allegations
Falsely advertising discounts and other promotions as available for a limited time
Status
Pending
Pottery Barn Kids Time-Limited Discounts and Promotions
Case Name (Date)
Cowan et al. v. Williams-Sonoma Stores, Inc. d/b/a Pottery Barn Kids
26-cv-3073, D. Md.
(June 2026)
Product/Service
Pottery Barn Kids merchandise
Allegations
Falsely advertising discounts and other promotions as available for a limited time
Status
Pending
Caden Lane’s Time-Limited Discounts
Case Name (Date)
Gautam et al. v. Katy Elaine, Inc. d/b/a Caden Lane
26-cv-3155, W.D. Wash.
(July 2026)
Product/Service
Caden Lane children’s clothing and accessories
Allegations
Falsely advertising when discounts end
Status
Pending
Caden Lane’s Time-Limited Discounts
Case Name (Date)
Gautam et al. v. Katy Elaine, Inc. d/b/a Caden Lane
26-cv-3155, W.D. Wash.
(July 2026)
Product/Service
Caden Lane children’s clothing and accessories
Allegations
Falsely advertising when discounts end
Status
Pending
Boon PIVOT Collapsible Toddler Tower
Product/Service
Boon PIVOT Collapsible Toddler Tower
Allegations
Marketing products as safe when they may tip over during ordinary use due to a defect risking injury to children
Status
Pending
Boon PIVOT Collapsible Toddler Tower
Case Name (Date)
Polino et al. v. TOMY International, Inc.
26-cv-8920, N.D. Ill.
(July 2026)
Product/Service
Boon PIVOT Collapsible Toddler Tower
Allegations
Marketing products as safe when they may tip over during ordinary use due to a defect risking injury to children
Status
Pending
Posh Peanut’s Discounts
Product/Service
Posh Peanut merchandise
Allegations
Falsely advertising discounts as available for a limited time
Status
Pending
Posh Peanut’s Discounts
Case Name (Date)
Gautam et al. v. Posh Peanut, Inc.
26-cv-2447, W.D. Wash.
(June 2026)
Product/Service
Posh Peanut merchandise
Allegations
Falsely advertising discounts as available for a limited time
Status
Pending