Commercialism is in our schools whether we want it or not. George Smith, technology director for the Green Bay School District, says the advertising found in schools tends to be more appropriate for children than the advertising they are exposed to elsewhere. The advertisers include General Electric, Toshiba and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. Ads remain on the screen continually. Clicking on an ad transports the user to another screen with more options to view information provided by the same sponsor.
Students can accumulate points toward prizes for time spent logged on.
Commercialism in schools turned particularly bold after New York-based Channel One started supplying schools with free televisions and free news programming in 1990. The company, which broadcasts 10-minute newscasts and two minutes of commercials, is viewed by 8 million schoolchildren daily. They changed the rules. They eliminated the taboos. All rights reserved.