Steve Shultz alerted us to the changing policies of school districts that permit advertising on their buses, and invited our opinions. My random blog thoughts are:

1. Billboards may distract drivers and cause accidents. This may endanger our children.

2. Advertising is everywhere, especially where our kids are. If school district policy allows advertising on buses then it is all or nothing. Censorship is unacceptable.

3. Let's face it; if the revenue for advertising goes into the school districts coffers, that money has come out of our pockets. Product advertising money comes from sales revenue, a portion of which pays for advertising. Increase advertising budgets - prices rise, we pay.

4. Why not just donate our money to education or pay higher taxes? The performance of our schools is not dependent on more money. If anyone can give me a logical argument why pouring more and more money into education will improve our school standards I would pay attention.

5. I see school buses in my neighborhood every day. Most are half-full or less than half-full. They are inefficiently used. Inefficiencies raise costs.

6. If this is an established policy and advertising on buses is okay with school administrators, then I can see parents freaking out when they see certain products being advertised. (See below for prospective product list.) This is not good for parents and is likely to increase parental health risks (e.g. stress related problems). Parent/children relationships will suffer, thus creating behavioral and self esteem issues that will require more and more school counselors.

7. Corporate marketing executives are likely to place appropriate ads on buses for children of appropriate ages. For example Toys-R-Us would be more suited to Elementary School transport than a High School bus.

8. The list of potential advertisers is limitless. Some products send mixed messages. Here are ten that come to mind.

a.) Preparation H - "Put an end to your suffering."

b.) Trojan Brand Condoms - "Make a difference."

c.) Nicoderm CQ - "Be a Quitter."

d.) Mile Hi Tattoo & Body Piercing. No slogan needed here.

e.) Plavix - "Because you are no match for a dangerous clot."

f.) Super Prostate Formula - "Free Trial offer - new and improved formula."

g.) Weight Watchers - "Watch yourself change."

h.) Hooters - "Delightfully tacky, yet unrefined."

I.) Cialis - "Relax and take your time."

J.) Playboy Magazine - Best known for its articles.

Some of these will definitely distract drivers.

9.) If we advertise on school transportation then why not in school hallways, cafeterias, restrooms and classrooms?

After weighing the pros & cons of this issue, my humble opinion is that this is a very bad idea. Just as many schools have taken a positive step in removing vending machines for high sugar foods and beverages from their premises, I think they should take a stand on this issue now and stop it dead in its tracks.