In 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a warning to parents: teach your kids about the media and the images that they are likely to see because of the sheer number of ads that bombard the typical child every day. Research studies cited by pediatric experts show that the average child sees roughly three thousand ads on the television, internet and other sources every day. But, some groups want to take that warning one step further by including warning labels on photos of actors, singers and models. Children and teenagers are typically fooled by what they think is perfect and real and sadly, unattainable. That can lead them to negative problems, including problems with their physical or mental health.

The US is slowly catching up with other countries in asking for the warning labels. Lawmakers in France, Britain and Norway are being especially vocal in demanding that the labels that inform the viewer that images are retouched be added immediately. The American Medical Association wants to go one step further and ban the use of photoshopping altogether.

Two researchers from Dartmouth University have developed software that rates a photo on a scale from one to five to show where the magic of photoshop has been used. A one is a low rating meaning that only a little touch up has been done while a five indicates that the photo has been majorly redone.

The AMA also wants parents to understand how important that their active participation is. Parents should focus on achievements beyond a child's appearance, for instance, but they should also be watching for warning signs of negative body image and low self esteem as well. They should also talk about what it means to get onto the magazine covers and all of the tricks that are employed to getting a single photo like that.

The warning signs of negative body image include: negative comments about their body or looks, constantly comparing foods to one another or knowing calorie counts for all foods without being asked. They may also start severely limiting the amount of food that they take in so that they do not get fat. Negative body image can often lead to eating disorders, especially in those people who are susceptible to them.

Several recent ad campaigns have come under fire because of the obviously photoshopped models that have been used. Ralph Lauren, Victoria's Secret and others have been taken to task for their extremely small appearing models.