How does advertisement manipulate children, or does it empower them?

Children are smart, they come with their own personalities and usually are humble enough to accept other peoples views and opinions, and will form their own. They are valuable and should be treated as such. There is so much going on in the world these days that some children are being taught the wrong approach to life and how problems are solved, they are severely underestimated and do look up to the ones they love. Honestly it all depends on the message the advertiser/teacher/parent/friend is sending them, and whether it fits the child's rationality.