Sexualisation of children is very real and contact with sexual imagery from an early age has a devastating effect on mental and physical health.
International studies show that the exploitation of children as sexual objects has a detrimental effect on adolescent development including the risk of depression, shame, anxiety and eating disorders.
We believe children, particularly young girls, appear to be sold as sexual commodities. This practice is abhorrent and potentially deeply damaging on the psyche of young people.
Australia lacks comprehensive research into either the drivers or the effects of sexualising our children. We need to undertake this research now and act on the findings.
The Democrats have initiated a Senate inquiry into the sexualisation of children in the contemporary media environment. In particular the inquiry will examine the sources and beneficiaries of premature sexualisation of children in the media, and review the evidence on the short and long term effects on children. The inquiry is due to report by the 23rd June.
You can read inquiry's Terms of Reference. You can also make a submission to the inquiry - the closing date for submissions is Friday, 18 April 2008.
The Australian Psychological Society consider the practice of sexualising children in the media is pervasive and are concerned that children are dressed in clothing and posed in ways designed to draw attention to adult sexual features that they do not possess. They also consider such images imply that physical appearance and beauty are fundamental to social worth and that sexual attractiveness should be part of the childhood experience.
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