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Advertising on the rise in schools
Commercial advertising continues to increase in public schools, and researchers say the effects can be harmful if not kept in context.
In a recent report, Arizona State University’s Commercialism in Education Research Unit noted that school advertising was growing across the nation and world.
The unit tracked different categories of commercial activity in schools between 1990 and 2006, which included sponsorship of programs and activities, incentive programs and advertisement placement on scoreboards, buses and school roofs.
According to the report, a July 2008 survey of 395 U.S. public schools and 129 school districts in 38 states found vending machines in 17 percent of elementary schools, 82 percent of middle schools and 97 percent of high schools, all with signs on the exterior of the machine displaying the brand of juice, soda or snack.
“Although children may ignore or dismiss a particular marketing message, in the large scheme of things, the total advertising environment creates a materialistic atmosphere,” said study social psychologist Faith Boninger .
Boninger said the advertising levels in schools could affect a child’s self-esteem and health. The study reported that increased branding and marketing can trigger low self-esteem if children see a barrage of products they desire, but can’t have because their parents can’t afford them.
What do you think about advertisements in schools?
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