Schools usually strive to be safe learning
environments that are free from distractions. Dress codes are enacted, cell
phones are banned and other measures are often taken to keep the focus strictly
on learning. Would allowing marketers into schools provide a distraction that
is not needed in the classroom?Marketing Already Takes Place In School
Posters for various colleges are constantly plastered on the walls of high schools across the nation. In that regard, marketing is already taking place in school. While it is good for students to know what options they have to continue their education, shouldn't there be a uniform policy when it comes to marketing in schools? Everyone should be able to market their products if colleges are allowed to.
Free Speech Issues
Free speech is a very important aspect of our culture. Marketers could argue that they are losing their right to free speech when they are banned from schools. Even if permanent signs were banned, wouldn't it be possible to allow for digital signage solutions? Digital advertising could be customized to allow advertisers the right to advertise without taking away from an educational atmosphere.
Would Kids Even Notice
Most kids are already bombarded with advertisements outside of school. It can be difficult to catch the attention of a kid who gets blasted with ads on Facebook, Twitter and any television programs they watch. A very real possibility exists that kids wouldn't even notice yet another ad in the cafeteria. Companies that would want to market in schools might not see much return on their investment.
Resistance from Parents
Schools are very careful to cater to the wishes of parents. An angry parent is something that a school district wants to avoid at all costs. Negative parental reactions to any marketing efforts done in schools would bring bad press to the school. That negative press would then reflect poorly on the company that is trying to market in the school. Therefore, any marketing done in schools would have to be sensitive to that.
Marketing efforts in schools would probably not be worth the money spent. The more effective route would most likely be to advertise on the social media sites that kids frequent when they are not in school. Companies that want to market in schools should be allowed to do so, but the advertisers would most likely see that the message falls on deaf ears.
