October 10th, 2008 by Learning Systems
We’ve seen school buses festooned with colorful advertising. But what about inside the buses, and in actual schools?
There is a host of ways in which children’s school environments and learning content are being commercialized. Many buses play BusRadio, which boasts of taking “targeted student marketing to the next level” and providing companies with a “captive audience.” Marketer-sponsored school activities range from literacy programs and anti-drug campaigns, to communication skills training. In these students are rewarded with product coupons for their performance and engagement with learning content.
Companies like Cover Concepts–whose executives also created BusRadio–provide schools with free book covers that advertise Kellogg’s, Calvin Klein, Nike, McDonald’s and other major marketers. Even students’ learning content material is blanketed with advertising.
October 9th, 2008 by Learning Systems
For many budget-crunched school districts, raising funds for everything from learning content materials to entire departments is increasingly difficult. Many consider using advertising on school buses and other locations throughout the school to compensate for their lack of funds. Athletic departments have traditionally accepted sponsorship. But where do we draw the line? Is it OK for schools to sell other advertising spaces?
Many people are outraged by the advertising industry’s finding its way into schools. School advertising not only distracts children from learning content, but it’s a mandatory barrage due to compulsory education laws. At home, kids can turn off the TV or choose not to listen to the radio. But at school they are compelled to view ads–often with unhealthy learning content–like those for big beverage companies or fast food restaurants.
October 9th, 2008 by Learning Systems
What can we do to offset the learning content children are being exposed to through TV advertising? The bombardment is truly overwhelming. Parents alone can’t tackle the problem. But they can help. Sit down with your kids and talk to them about what they’re seeing on TV and the internet. (This goes not only for the learning content contained in ads, but what they’re viewing in general.) Talk to your child about ads, their different forms, and their subtle messages and goals. Create a healthy awareness.
But parents can’t go it alone. Support from schools, social programs, and laws to regulate corporate advertising to children is essential.
Of course, children should be encouraged to cut down on their media consumption, to be more active, read more books. Cutting down not only means avoiding manipulative commercial learning content, but developing active and strong bodies and minds.
October 9th, 2008 by Learning Systems
Is it possible for young viewers to simply tune out advertising learning content if they’re not interested? It’s difficult. The problem is that so much money is wrapped up in the industry–the whole corporate world depends on its effectiveness. No one can afford not to go to all lengths to sell their products, even if it means the learning content projected in their ads creates myths that damage children’s mental and physical well-being.
As children absorb learning content through the media, they are being targeted by billions of dollars worth of sophisticated corporate marketing. The Federal Trade Commission, conducting an inquiry into increasing childhood obesity, found that food companies had spent $1.6 billion to market their products to children and teens in 2006. McDonald’s alone spends about $600 million a year on advertising. It’s an eerie thought: the world’s most extravagantly-paid psychologists are employed by advertising agencies.
October 9th, 2008 by Learning Systems
These days, American children spend an average of 40 hours a week consuming media outside of school. Most of those hours are spent listening to the radio, watching television or using a computer, constantly absorbing learning content–some of which they may not be very conscious. The majority of children spend this time without adult supervision–most children over the age of 8 have a TV in their rooms. Many advertisers see children as a highly profitable market, as buyers themselves, influencers of their parents’ purchases, and future adult consumers.
As children gain learning content and are entertained by the media, they are also receiving messages from advertising–both subtle and obvious–about who they are, what life is like, and who they should be and what life should look like. This learning content helps to shape children’s lives in many ways–including some unhealthy ones.
