Child sexualisation products slammed
Warwickshire’s portfolio holder for Children, Young People and Families has backed calls to curb the sexualisation of children in marketing with a code of conduct and a watchdog.
Cllr Heather Timms has spoken in support of the government’s children’s minister’s calls for restrictions on retailers selling products that are ‘age-inappropriate’. These include:
T-shirts with the slogan ‘Porn Star’ or ‘Future footballer’s wife’
Padded bras for young girls
‘Lolita’ branded bed linen
Playboy branded pencil cases
Lap dancing kits
Cllr Timms said: “I am horrified that marketing companies could even consider that this type of product is anything other than wholly inappropriate.
“The county council places a great deal of importance in safeguarding children. What message does it send out to sexualise pre-pubescent children in this manner?
“The county council works with schools to ensure that there is no place for these products in our buildings. Schools supported by our ICT development service have restrictions on what can be accessed by pupils online to ensure that children are not exposed to anything that is unsuitable. However, we cannot be responsible for what they see out of school hours. We would therefore welcome any additional restrictions that help us to protect children around the clock and encourage parents to be aware of the types of material that is on the market and to take measures to stop their children getting hold of it.”
The county council’s Family Information Service offers a wide range of advice for parents and carers including those who are concerned about the images that their children are exposed to via media such as the internet or magazines.
Anybody concerned can call the Family Information Service Helpline on 0845 0908044 for confidential advice or go to http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fis
Cllr Timms was backed by her cabinet colleague, Cllr Richard Hobbs portfolio holder for community protection, whose remit includes trading standards. He said: “In the event of legislation that prohibits selling products that are not suitable, our officers will work to ensure that retailers keep within the guidelines. Children should be protected from the pressures that these products put on them.”