Commercialism in School

A number of discussions took place last week on the issue of Value Tokens in schools. While respecting every school’s right to decide on what to participate in, the staff of SHNS have decided not to partake in the current Value Token scheme whereby schoolchildren collect vouchers for each €10 spent, nor will the school be taking part in other such schemes in the foreseeable future.

The reasons are as follows:

      Families should be free to shop wherever they want without pressure from their children.

     From 2002 – 2006 inclusive the DES withdrew PE Grants leaving school vulnerable to such Token Schemes. It is their responsibility to fund schools.

     The Staff feel children should not be used to promote one company / venue / product over another.

     In the first week back in school, no less than six groups contacted the schools to use the children and their families / friends and neighbours to raise funds for what are all laudable causes.

From a definite standpoint of 10 – 15 years ago where all types of commercialism in schools was strongly discouraged, some Partners in Education see no problem with large commercial interests funding their schools. The idea of non-commercialism in schools has never gone away, it has simply been swept under the carpet.

Circular 38/91 specifically requests school authorities, following consultation with staff, to formulate agreed school policies in relation to commercial promotions. Such policies can assist school authorities to act prudently in taking steps to ensure that commercial products are not promoted and marketed through their schools.

The actual schemes are terrifically bad value.

• A sponge ball costing €1.99 can be obtained for tokens received for €250 worth of shopping.

•  An €18 football requires tokens received with €3,800 worth of shopping.

•  A recent scheme where, if the school signed up for entry to a competition, a TV / VCR (worth just under €400) would be provided, on receipt of € 7,200 worth of tokens.

Your support on this matter is appreciated.
 

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