UK Home Office blasts sexual imagery on children's TV

Malaysia News.Net
Friday 26th February, 2010

The UK Home Office has reported that children are being increasingly sexualised due to exposure to sexual imagery on the Internet and television.

It has claimed that UK parents seem unable to stop the images, and has warned there is now a clear link between sexualised imagery and violence towards females.

Officials have told the BBC that tougher regulations of sexual imagery in advertisements and a ban on soft core pornographic magazines to under 16's may be the next step.

There has been major growth in Britain's soft core sex magazines and pornography on mobile phones, with many big-name fashion brands also using sexual imagery to target teenagers.

The report said the exposure to adult concepts was encouraging boys to become fixated on being macho and dominant, while encouraging girls to present themselves as sexually available.

It added that one outcome had been a rise in sexual bullying, which coerces girls to post topless or naked pictures on social networks.

Other recommendations from the Home Office report include:

A ban on sexualised music videos.

A ban on advertised positions for job-seekers in lap-dancing clubs and massage parlours.

Internet service providers to block access to pro-bulimia and pro-anorexia websites.

The creation of a website where parents can report any irresponsible marketing they believe sexualises young children.

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