LAST Friday we asked you on Facebook what you thought about Ipswich West MP Sean Choat's idea of organising school tours through the soon- to-be-reopened Borallon prison facility.

It certainly sparked an opinionated debate, and as of Monday, 172 people had liked the post and 54 had left a comment.

Most of you loved the idea while others thought it was not an effective way to educate young people about the realities of breaking the law.

Julie Elizabeth Truebody said she had a similar experience when she was growing up.

"We went to the police station and saw the jail cells when we were in Grade 1," she said.

"Didn't traumatise any of us and I can gladly say it's the only time I have ever been in one."

ALSO ONLINE TODAY ...

Bennett is a bad move for the Broncos

Sweeping and cotton picking: The road to mayor's office

Man 'stunned' at court response to taser device

Rapist acquitted of knifepoint rape in van

Works of two QT photographers will endure foverever

Defence ask locals' views on Joint Strike Fighter

Melissa Mayfield-Hansen also liked the idea saying, "I think they should have an open day so families can check it out".

"Great idea," commented Veronica Belcher. "I went through it before it opened the first time."

Others thought Mr Choat's proposal was a waste of time and believed the prison was not a suitable site for school tours.

"99% of kids are good, this is just sensationalist nonsense," Steve Axe said.

"He should be supporting better outcomes through improving schools, sports and community groups and giving better opportunities in life than trying to scare them, it's not the Middle Ages."

However, users generally agreed with the idea, with many suggesting the tours be made available only to high school students with parental permission.