Campaign to stop retailers selling products that prematurely sexualise children - let us know what you think...

[JustineMumsnet]

So quite a few folk on the MN campaigns thread mentioned that an issue they'd like to see MN get involved in is the premature sexualisation of children.

So we've put together an outline for a potential campaign, along the lines of Let girls be girls, summarising the issues and some of the research. The aim is to encourage retailers to make a simple, public pledge that commits them to selling only products which do not sexualise children.

Please do have a read and let us know your thoughts, ideas, suggestions.

Thanks.
MNHQ

[myszkamouse]

I found these articles from a while ago which I read and found them displeasing.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2595600/Backlash-Lizs-bikinis-kids-Actress-bombarded-criticism-Twitter-skimpy-designs-eights.html

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2228505/Im-product-Fifty-Shades-Grey-baby-clothes-appear-online.html

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2557345/Row-11-year-olds-provocative-music-video-bondage-theme-prepubescent-pop-star-Alison-Gold-shocks-sexualised-romp-mock-execution-scene.html

[monkeysmama]

Anyone seen the Gap baby grow with the word "flirt" on the front.

[Ali1967]

Hello, am I over sensitive or right to be shocked by a Princess Leia Slave Outfit figure (Age 4+) in the toy section of my local department store today. I am used to seeing bikini clad dolls , but the neck collar and chain was too much. I took the all the stock of these figures on display to the floor manager and asked that they were taken off sale. She has at least temporally agreed to take them off display. I don't really care what was in the Stars Wars film, but to me its just sick that this sort of figure is considered a suitable toy for young children of either sex.
figureoftheday.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/star-wars-figure-of-day-day-2054.html. Will be taking more notice and joining campaigns in this area as I was previously under the delusion that some of the larger franchaises and this particular toy store had more ethics.

[MarylinK1978]

Mumsnet

Please can you start a campaign for books like Delta of Venus by Anais Nin to be banned. These child porn novels are sold under the guise of erotica. Delta of Venus has even been elevated to the status of Penguin Modern Classic and is sold everywhere from Waterstones to Foyles. These types of books are not erotic nor can they merit "classic" status to decent people. I have nothing against sensual even sexually graphic novels - pretty much anything between two consenting adults is acceptable - what I object to is a book which for example describes an older man getting aroused as he fondles two little girls - may be 9 or 10 years old - whilst he is 'playing with them' (as set out in Nin's disgusting collection of disturbing stories).

You cannot have double standards and ban child abuse images but not do anything about fiction that incites people to sexualise and molest children.

[LisaB1967]

Hi, I'd like to correspond with the Mumsnet campaign leader direct, is this possible? I have an issue with a signed-up retailer, which I'm currently pursuing. I see this thread hasn't been used for some while, is the campaign still operating?

Many thanks

Lisa Bowley

[giraffesCantGoFirstFooting]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/1650299-Are-we-still-doing-that-let-girls-be-girls-thing-Saw-something-repulsive-today

[wilhecang]

Have you seen the latest in little girls under 10's underwear being sold in Marks & Spencers such as Padded bras !!!!!!!!!
I have sent the following e mail to M & S and hope others concerned about the premature sexualisation of children will lobby M & S to have a re think.

"I am contacting you to express my most sincere concern to find M & S selling inappropriate underwear garments and other fashion items for sale in your stores targeted at young females under the age of 10 eg padded bras, bikini vest tops etc. Whilst I am fully aware there are some young girls for whom puberty starts very early 9 + however the majority of young females do not .
As adults in a civilised and caring society, which I would hope includes the mangement of M & S , you must recognsie to keep our children safe, and indeed children, it is important that we do not sexualise our children inappropriately early in their development. Please review your policy to sell such lines and consider these points when looking to introduce new lines for children. M & S must not shirk there responsibility to our young. I will also be raising my concerns with Marc Bolland (CEO), Robert Swannell (Chairman)and Amanda Mellor (Group sec and Head of Corp Governance),Mumsnet, and various media contacts".

[airforceone]

Brilliant idea. My daughter is one and I'm already worried.

[notaniphoneownerjustabadtypist]

Well 3 weekks on I still haven't heard from Dulux. I phoned them and the customer service advisor I spoke to said they would email the mrketing dept who deal with the naming of colours. Still no news. Don't know what else to do - just wait or start a thread about it? Am wondering if IO am being oversensitive about this? Any advice welcome please!

[notaniphoneownerjustabadtypist]

I have written to Dulux to complain about a colour called "sexy pink". Will let you know their response!

[Isntitironic]

I can' find it on their website otherwise I'd link to it, but I got send a catalogue by Vertbaudet last month, and there was a tie-fronted bikini top on a toddler. I notice I'm not the first to mention Vertbaudet here; perhaps it's time for a letter to them?

[MrsAlexE]

My 18 month old daughter received this awful TY doll for Christmas. Looks like a prostitute! Are TY signed up to the campaign? I'm guessing not...

badgermad.blogspot.com/2011/12/would-you-let-your-daughter-have-this.html

[Maamaa]

Just made a complaint to offcom and BBC for showing parts of a Pixie Lott music video (and more than a few parts of Pixoe Lott!) on the BBC Breakfast programme at 9.00 am! Unbelievable, we can't even avoid this crap by avoiding music channels. Totally inappropriate sexual content. I find it so depressing how some female "artists" feel the need to do this rubbish in order to sell records.

[sebeck]

Just went on to Matalan's website- did a search for girls clothes for under 5s, and the first product displayed was a bra! Have emailed the company & will see how they respond.

www.matalan.co.uk/fcp/categorylist/dept/kids_infant-girls-clothing?resetFilters=true

[Nattie]

I know this is an old thread but I went in to M&S this morning and was shocked to find padded bras for 9-11 year olds in the children's section in my local branch in Bury St Edmunds. I thought that M&S had 'signed up' to the campaign???

[IsSamNormansDad]

I ahve also posted this in AIBU too.
Here
Was buying wellies for DS in Brantano today, and those hideous shoes caught my eye. I asked the duty manager if they were dressing up shoes as I had assumed, she replied 'No. They are for general wear.' She also mentioned that this style was extremely popular.
My DD is only 6m, so this kind of thing doesn't really affect me yet, but surely shoes like this worn regularly would damage a childs feet?
I also think that they are highly inappropriate for small children (available from kids size 9) as high heels are seen as 'sexy' shoes by many people.
I do NOT think that high heels for children neccessarily encourage inappropriate behaviour, but surely Mumsnets' campaign 'Let Girls Be Girls' is against this?
I am quite prepared to be flamed and told that it's none of my business, but if you feel the same, let Brantano know.

[Fluffymonster]

Yes I saw some of the pics from another site discussing it this morning - which is what brought me here. It's so gobsmackingly wrong I'm lost for words. Created by a woman stylist too, which seems even more obscene and disappointing. For children from as young as four, fgs.

Anyway I'm so angry I want to do something - but what?

[malovitt]

Good lord - look at this

[missorinoco]

A relative kindly bought two GAP tops for my children. The long sleeved tshirt for a 4 year old boy is just that. The girls version is fitted. She is TWO! Why am I not surprised to see GAP has not signed up.

[Snuppeline]

Verbautet sells a two-piece sexy looking swimsuit for girls as young as 2 years old. I'm disgusted! Can we turn up the heat against them?

www.vertbaudet.co.uk/girls-2-piece-swimsuit-pink-dark-all-over-printed.htm?ProductId=700170006&FiltreCouleur=6636&CodBouw=3137920078

[busyMouse]

My local Debenhams (Clapham Junction) is selling padded bras for 7-8 year olds and yet Debenhams are one of the retailers who agreed to back Mumsnet's Let Girls be Girls campaign!
So what does it actually mean for a retailer to back this worthy campaign? Apparently absolutely nothing. I guess they just agreed to support the campaign at the time because it made them look good and they got a bit of free advertising.
Pathetic!

[dotcate]

The branding and design of products targeted at children is controversial accross the board - from food/ clothing/ toys, the consumer culture enables parents or mothers to package and brand their child...consciously or unconsciously.
We have to exercise caution and respect - when we target campaigns like this - economics play a huge part in dictating where many parents are able to shop -
Primark/ Matalan/Poundstretcher/Tescos/ Sainburys and Next - come to a a well seasoned mother shopper's mind -and Mothercare and Laura Ashley were all Durham UK offered at one point.
My daughters have reached an age where they are responsible for their own fashion choices - I take sole responsibilty for mine-
humour apart - as a residential social worker - I learned to hold my first thoughts and look at the bigger picture-The Sexualisation of children in their own minds and in the adult mind is complex.
The sexual predator is not normal and there is a hint of victim blaming - and class prejudice underlying this campaign. We can advocate quality/ design and affordability without targeting and stigmatising...tread lightly -
Peer pressure - bullying etc are nightmares often linked with clothing/dress/ personal esteem ... abuse and rape-are complex and emotive issues
The branding and marketing of 'Little Miss Sunshine' is delicate- please ....

[tineB63]

I have only just learned of this campaign in the press and as the mother of a ten-year old daughter who is growing up far too quickly am very keen to lend my support in any way possible. I see that David Cameron is getting involved which is great. What is next on the agenda?

[Trace100]

I do not think schools (and this is obviously a generalisation) handle the topic of sex education correctly. Each child is different and so is their understanding of sex! The schools do not involve the parents and do not have the appropriate material to teach the children.

[TeaMonster]

WOuld help if I added the linkwww.muminthemadhouse.com/2011/05/is-this-really-what-men-think-about-woman/