AIBU to not want graphic novels depicting sexual violence displayed at child height in my local bookshop?

[LiterallyProblematic]

At my local book shop graphic novels are shelved on the bottom two shelves, immediately next to the teen and young adult section. Alongside these graphic novels are Star Wars books, and other titles which appeal to young children. Also, lots of manga and books which would be suitable for teens are mixed in. No warnings are on the books.
I've raised this with the head office and the shop has refused to do anything about it. I'm going to escalate it, but wanted to canvas opinions.

Is the book store contravening any safeguarding regulations/law by having pornographic, violent, misogynistic graphic novels where children can easily see them? Not only that, where children are drawn to see them, as they are very close to and often mixed up with children's graphic novels.

For info, so you know I'm not being a prude, a couple of examples, even though there are many; one of the books was A Handmaids Tale with drawings of her being raped, and another featured drawings of a man slicing off a woman's breast with a machete.

gross and needs addressing.

A lot of graphic novels - especially Manga ones - do have age recommendations printed on them. Is this the only section devoted to graphic novels in the shop? If so that would be why they are all mixed ages. I would ask to speak to the manager. Directly speak - not just go through their head office because that way it would take ages for the issue to actually make it's way down to the manager. This could just be poor staff training and the person stocking the shelves doesn't realise that some graphic novels are for adults and some for children. You are right. They shouldn't be where they're are. I also dislike those Take a Break style mags with their awful headlines being a children's eye level.
Talk to the manager.

Who are you going to escalate this with? I'm presuming that the pictures aren't on the front cover and the blurb on the back would give a brief run down of what the book is about? I choose a book by reading the back. Although placed by books that are appealing to children I can't see the books you're talking about sticking out to young children and teenagers are able to read the back and decide whether this is a book for them or not.
If you feel that strongly that you need to take this higher then go for it but I personally wouldn't, if they were contravening anything then I'm sure it wouldn't be happening anyway, especially after your initial complaint.

Yet another subtle way of getting young children used to sexualisation.

I absolutely agree with you OP and do not think in any way that you are being a prude.

There is an offence around this wgich the NSPCC libe could clarify for you.

It's the same law that stopped indecent/scary posters, being put up in bus stops etc.

There's a law which said that 'Adult' books and films have to be in their own section with an 'over 18' warning.

I don't know if they are enforced but you could try the NSPCC. Or even your LA, just an Email expressing shock.

If it were the library or school, it would be different, OP.

But since it's a shop, I can only see two options: (1) vote with your feet and don't give them your custom and (2) take action in the form of a petition/protest and go to the local paper to highlight the issue so other parents are aware.

Hmm, graphic novels tend to just be all thrown together with no regard to topic, age rating or anything. But, comics and manga with mature content should at least be on the top shelf.

Yanbu follow advice of pp and contact nspcc. I think consistent resistance to this is really important

I have the same concerns about magazines like take a break with their ghoulish headlines.

Might be on the front.
Manga you tend to flip through to see if you like the style of the pics etc

I was in Oxfam in Oban once and there was a book on open display with the word “Fuck” on the cover. It was something fashion related, all terribly middle class and superior. The terribly middle class and superior cretin behind the counter expressed surprise when I objected to this in the presence of my primary school aged children because she felt it was OK with it being about fashion.

Is it just the graphic novels you want moving?
What about Lady Chatterley's Lover?
Or Lolita?
Do you want them moved too?
Top shelf behind a modest board perhaps?
I doubt any teenager whose eye wanders from Star Wars to The Hand Maids Tale would be a) interested b) offended or c) titilated
Yabu.

I've read Lady Chatterley's Lover. And Lolita. I taught LDL for a level. No-one was chopping breasts off with machetes. HTH.

These shouldn't be at eye level for kids. They shouldn't be mixed in with comics aimed at children.

How are you planning to escalate it, OP?

LCL, stupid autocorrect.

Graphic content is fine, but it should be for adults and not mixed up with kids stuff.

I mean I loved Tokyo Ghoul or Angel Sanctuary, doesn't mean I'll let my 5 yo look at them!