A report damning the sexual commercialisation of children is due out on Monday, but 'leaks' are in the papers today. Thank God someone has spoken up! It is, in fact, the CE of the Mothers' Union (which, interestingly is a man!) who has written the report, which makes a number of recommendations, including:
- banning advertising hoardings with "sexualised imagery" near schools and nurseries (why can't they be banned everywhere? After all, children are everywhere);
- a clampdown on sexual & violent stuff on TV before 9 pm;
- music videos to have age ratings, like films do;
- stopping the sale of inappropriate clothing for children which exploits their sexuality.
Mumsnet is also involved in this, and more power to both organisations! But it's also up to you concerned parents to speak up; don't think you are the only person who is worried about these things.
It is outrageous how commercial organisations are taking away our children's childhood. May this new report, entitled Let Children be Children begin a sea change in what is acceptable and unacceptable in society today concerning our children.
Well said, Eric.... This HAS to be commerce-driven. Already, our teenage and young-adult grandchildren are being targeted as "sales fodder"... ANYTHING goes, so long as it fattens up the "accounting bottom line".
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