Scottish Parent Teacher Council

Advertising and sponsorship in schools - Nine things to consider

Advertising/sponsorship provide schools with extra money and useful resources but, before you sign up, it’s worth thinking about what’s involved:

There is no such thing as a free lunch. Sponsors/ advertisers will always want to get their message across.
Children are more influenced by advertising than adults.
Advertisers/sponsors want to get into schools because there is no competition from other companies.
Advertisers/sponsors in schools get the unspoken but powerful endorsement of the school.
Does the advertised product run counter to a policy the school is trying to promote e.g. sugary fizzy drinks is not in line with a healthy eating policy?
Does the sponsor/advertiser produce something that you actively want to discourage e.g. companies that produce alcoholic drinks/sports companies that use cheap third world labour?
Does the advertised product promote something the school wants to support e.g. fair trade products increase awareness of third world countries?
Does the sponsorship help build a sense of community e.g. using a local trader to sponsor the school football team.?
Is the effort worth it? Collecting lots of coupons from shops or products may cause the school a lot of extra work for not much benefit.

This is a starting point. You may have your own issues you want to consider but it is worth remembering - companies are not charities.

Published by:- Scottish Parent Teacher Council,
53 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2HT
Tel 0131-226 1917 or fax 0870 706 5814
Email: sptc@sptc.info Web site: www.sptc.info

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