The bill that would ban pop machines from all elementary and middle schools is said to be pushed for health reasons in the legislation held by state Rep. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing.

We do know that juice and milk are healthier than soda pop. But just because pop machines are available in school hallways and cafeterias does not mean all students will choose to drink soda instead of something healthier.

The influence of parents on children and teens has an effect on persuasion provided by advertising.

At a young age, children are taught to distinguish between right and wrong: In this case, to pick up a can of juice instead of a can of pop.

By eliminating pop machines to shelter children and teens from bad health, we are saying they do not have the ability to determine what is right and wrong.

Children and teens are far more sophisticated and aware of their health today, as opposed to the way things were years ago.

Ask yourself why would you ban something from schools that can be seen every day, in all directions you look.

Parents have taught the moral of right and wrong; what is good for our body and what is not.

So for legislation to ban pop machines as a means to deny children and teens the ability to make choices is not giving credit to the intelligence they have to make their own decisions.

Stephanie Walker
psychology freshman