When it comes to advertising, the education sector has emerged to be one of the top violators of advertising guidelines. According to the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) Annual Complaints Report 2022-2023, classical education accounted for 13.8 percent of the total ads that did not adhere to ASCI’s guidelines. The sector ranked second of the most violative categories after real money gaming, which accounted for 15 percent of the total wrongful ads.
In January, the ASCI had also published the EdNext study, which called out institutions for their misleading advertisements and misusing the communication method for unethically influencing consumers’ choices. The report proposed a framework for creating mindful and responsible ads, which focus on parameters like gender diversity, a broader perspective of learning and greater transparency about courses, authorisation etc.
The ASCI had released revised guidelines for advertising “educational institutions, programmes and platforms” after a month-long public consultation which concluded on April 15, 2023. According to the ASCI, the new guidelines cover universities, schools and colleges, coaching classes and EdTech platforms and aim to focus on the impact of advertisements on children’s physical and mental well-being.
Watch this quick explainer to familiarise yourself with the guidelines:
Also Read:
- India’s Advertising Council Invites Comments On Amendment To Its Guidelines For Education Sector
- With Tall Claims Of Success, Ed-Tech Ads Make Parents Feel That Their Child Is Missing Out: Report
- 5 Points In The Checklist That Ed-Tech Companies Must Tick Off While Creating Ads: Report
- Six Issues ASCI Should Consider While Framing Advertising Guidelines For Edtech
