Advertising In Schools: Where Do We Draw The Line?

The other day I went to a PTA meeting at Jacob’s new public elementary school. As I was sitting in the gym listening to the PTA president talk about the new fundraiser our school was doing I looked over and saw a large advertisement for CoverGirl on the wall. I thought it was odd because I had never noticed blatant ads placed in the kid’s schools before but I quickly forgot about it as the meeting continued and I was trying to take notes.

Today Lucas comes home from his public school (it’s a preschool) with this sticker on the front of his shirt:

I have nothing against either company. I wear CoverGirl makeup and drink Coke products. My kids are 4 and 5 and can already identify a number of brands just by their logos and could do so at a young age. Most kids their ages can just because of the times that they are growing up in. My question is, why are we advertising these products to young children in their schools? I think it’s pretty inappropriate. What do you think? Do you think it’s okay or would you be upset about it?

(Note: I’d add more of my thoughts on this subject but I’m running out the door to Jake’s soccer practice.)