Help - about to go on BBC radio Birmingham - your thoughts on "Are children being sexualised too young?" urgently required please!

[JustineMumsnet]

Apparently Asda's just had to withdraw a range of kids' knickers cos they were too sexy. Do you think that business/media encourage children to be sexual prematurely these days or is it a case of kids just want to role-play and twas ever thus? What do mumsnetters think?

I think that children are being sexualised, far too early. Their childhood is being eroded by degrees, and all in pursuit of the mighty dollar.

Could post more, but work beckons, terrible thing a conscience.

I think some of the items of clothing on sale for young kids is a bit old for them , dont feel there's a need for tracksuit bottoms for 3 months old upwards to have "princess" written on the backside for example.

they have more avenues for displaying sexualised behaviour/appearance etc

I think they are too. I saw in Asda last week a little bra top and knicker set for 2-3 year old. Whats that all about?

When I was a little girl children didn't wear fashion clothes until they were about 14 - 15 years old.

Now the shops are full of mini replicas of adult clothes. We are all led to believe that our children need these things in order not to be teased by their friends. It's all about money.

A lot of the time these clothes are unsuitable for a child - little girls in high heels when they are of an age to run round playing is just silly. What are we going to do next - give them padded bras to wear because they can't wait until their breasts are developed to wear adult-shaped clothes?

And the overtly sexual slogans on some childrens' clothes are just out of order. Adults wouldn't look nice in them so why should we think them cute on children?

yes, I agree. 3 year-olds don't need "high-cut" knickers FGS, or crop-tops that look like mini bras. Yuck. A vest is too keep you warm, and should cover the waist at least.

It only applies to girls

no indication of boys being sexualised is there

There just isn't a dvision between mainstream girl child fashion and adult fashion now, principally at the budget store end.

And it is encouraged by mtv, dolls, young presenters on children's tv..lots of flirting and innuendo

urgh yeah or those one shoulder tops, they were selling those in next for 3 year olds when they were fashionable for adults, what is the point of one shoulder tops if not to reveal a bit more flesh? totally unsuitable for kids!

Definitely agree that some kids clothes (actually it's just girls clothes, isn't it) are far too 'sexy' however I strongly feel that whilst the should not be on sale, the onus is on the parent not to purchase them. What kind of a lame brain would buy a bra top for their 3 year old?

I think it probably only applies to girls because men's clothes aren't very often overtly sexy but little boys clothes are like miny men's clothes as well it makes me laugh because some of them are like clothes grandads would wear lol

You may mention high heeled shoes too. All the main supermarkets sell girls shoes with heels which can do untold damage to small feet as they are forming. What is the reason for high heels on kids - women wear them to elongate the leg which in turn emphasises the bottom and breasts - why should kids wear them?

Probably too late now, but what about WHSmith's disgusting playboy bunny range of stationery for school? Appalling way to promote a porn brand to children too young to know what it signifies - so when they grow up they will have positive associations with it.

I suppose boy's could have boxers with waistbands meant to be shown, vest tops so that a gold chain would be revealed around the neck

gold stripe down trainer pants (jogging bottoms)

Slightly different but....

At the Mum's and Tots group I take Ds3 too, there was a liitle girl who'd just started playschool so 2- 3.5years old.
Her mum was showing off the latest purchase of suede boots with a heel higher than the boots I was wearing.

I'm sooo glad I have boys!

Don't get me wrong, I know little girls like to look grown up, but I was quite happy to totter around in mommy's shoes rather than dressing like her

There is a class element to this isn't there?

(chavs.. she mumbles and runs)

I think girls are being pushed into a "teenage" mould far too early-I'm glad I don't have girls!

Agree, edam & zippitippitoes.
I hate the boxer shorts for toddlers and would never buy them for my boys.

Children have been "marketed" to for many years, but I think this has gone into overdrive in the last 15 years or so, with more and more emphasis on children having/doing "grown up" things.

A couple of years ago, I saw an episode of SMTV live (childrens Saturday TV show) and was genuinely shocked to see cast members of "Bad Girls" (prison drama) on there - the programme was being very actively marketed to this child audience. It is not a show for young children, but clearly it has a fan base among them which was being exploited.

It's not just Asda either, Argos had to withdraw thongs for 9 yr olds a while back (yuk!).. and how about the playboy bunny that's on pencil cases etc - is that innocent?

The Marketing/advertising industry call it KGOY (kids getting older younger)and just claim they are meeting demands.

Puberty is starting younger - which gives the impression children are growing up quicker, nevertheless children are just that - not mini adults.

Last point - young children may use the term 'sexy' and repeat things they may have heard- but they don't understand what they are talking about - how on earth can they?

What is sexual/provocative, is in the eyes of the beholder.. so it is the adult who is in the wrong.

Children don't have to be bought these items - so parents/carers are responsible for what they allow their young children to wear.

I think it is awful. Remember when little girls wore lovely long dresses? Now it is boob tubes and mini skirts. OF COURSE a little girl wants to look like a pop star - to them it is dressing up, pretend. But it is up to the parents to realise that there is a world of difference between a dressing up box and letting your little one out dressed like a - and I am sorry for this but it is true - mini whore.

No child should go out in a skirt that shows their pants (sometimes a bloody THONG for gods sake!) and a tshirt that says Bitch, or I'm too sexy for this shirt or has the playboy logo on it!

I want to slap the parents. These things are for sale because people buy them. If nobody bought them then they would be off the shelves double quick. So ultimatly, it is the fault of the parents who buy them, that these monstrosities are on kids backs these days.

It does take something away from childhood if a 5yr old is more concerned with make up, skimpy clothes and VPL, than kicking a ball around or playing with a doll.

The children are acting in all innocence but the adults need to take control and for crying out loud get some sense of what is appropriate!!

I've taught in primary schools and have been quite surprised at the undergarments some little girls have been bought by their parents. Five year olds coming up to me and saying, "do you like my thong and bra?", is uncomfortable.

I think that whatever the marketing men/women push on the marketplace, it's ultimately up to parents to step in and say a big fat "no". Yet every day I see little girls with their ears pierced, high heeled boots on, boys with dyed spiked hair etc - and you think, well they didn't buy them or pay for that - the parents did!

We are in a right mess, aren't we ?
Like others, I'm glad I don't have daughters.

3 of my nieces friends have strted thir periods. Aged 9. How did this happen ?
15 years ago, it was about 14. Now its 9 ???!!!

As unicorn says, no parent needs to buy these things.
But, I assume that parents feel under pressure.
You wouldn't want your child to be bullied for 'non conforming', would you ?