Reading, Writing, and Arith.... I mean Advertising.

[Big Cuddly Bear]

I just read a story about cash strapped schools who are now taking hallway advertising to raise money for their schools.

Do you think this is a good idea?

And don't assume you know which way I feel, because I don't yet know how I feel about it.

 

[indimom]

My school had this in the 90s. How I feel about it would probably depend on what they were advertising. Kids are sooooo inundated with advertising all day long, I doubt seeing it on the walls at school would be much different.

 

[Big Cuddly Bear]

My school had this in the 90s. How I feel about it would probably depend on what they were advertising. Kids are sooooo inundated with advertising all day long, I doubt seeing it on the walls at school would be much different.

Well, the big point of the article is that you you have a captive audience at an age where they are very receptive to being "brainwashed". At home you can turn off the TV or Radio, but a kid has to attend school.

I know my own kids who are under 10, are always trying to get us to buy stuff because the ads on TV say how great products are.... my one daughter swears OxyClean will clean up just aabout everything in the entire world! Once, she even start a sentence with "Well, Dad, Billy Mays says"......

 

[Robinrs]

So the schools would be in charge of the content and how the money is spent. I think it's a great idea, then!

 

[Katie's Butterflies]

How I feel about it would probably depend on what they were advertising. Kids are sooooo inundated with advertising all day long, I doubt seeing it on the walls at school would be much different.

I agree

My high school (a private school) did this for a year or so. (Too many parents complained). I remember coming to school and just staring in shock. Where once stood yellowing peeling walls, now hung huge bright blue Pepsi banners. Our regular vending machines (which had been Pepsi before) had multiplied and become “cooler” (they glowed!). Everything was covered in Pepsi merchandise, even the trash cans. The only places immune to the advertising were the classrooms.

That being said, the advertising did not bother us students. Honestly, after the shock and interest wore off, we didn’t notice them. Plus, our school was able to afford new football uniforms and add to the gym renovation fund.

On the other hand, I’m sure Pepsi sales skyrocketed with all the added vending machines.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Eh, I wouldn't care. If it raises needed money for the school, then go for it.

 

[HelenePA]

if it means I dont have to sell my family 20$ gift wrapping paper bring it on!

 

[bumbershoot]

As a student, I disliked it. My HS had it in the late 80s. Walls with big huge signs advertising various things. Ugly. Distracting. We never seemed to get much from it...what seemed to get us money was becoming a magnet school for languages and creative arts (which is funny b/c we didn't even have musical theater).

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I think it would depend on what was being advertised and how. With all the push in our district towards healthy things (for instance, if we have a drink other than water, it has to be in an unmarked bottle, preferably opaque), I would be mad if htey advertised soda and junk food. I also wouldn't care for it if it was over the top. At the same time, if it got us money for resources... Schools are between a rock and a hard place right now, so I understand why they want to do it.

 

[Rora]

Like others have said, depends on what they're advertising.

 

[tvguy]

They have phased out "on campus ads" here, along with selling soda, candy and chips on campus.
What's changed?
Well the schools no longer have the revenue from the ads and food sales. Healthy beverages and healthy snacks sit unsold in the cafeteria.
And the kids are now bringing the soda, candy and chips from home in their brown bag.

 

[FireDancer]

I think it would depend on what was being advertised and how. With all the push in our district towards healthy things (for instance, if we have a drink other than water, it has to be in an unmarked bottle, preferably opaque), I would be mad if htey advertised soda and junk food. I also wouldn't care for it if it was over the top. At the same time, if it got us money for resources... Schools are between a rock and a hard place right now, so I understand why they want to do it.

Exactly this. As long as the schools are very discerning on what they take I see no problem with it. I'm glad to see some initiative in raising money instead of just asking tax payers for more.