Generation Next founder Dr Ramesh Manocha and Generation Next seminar speakers Julie Gale (Director Kids Free 2B Kids) and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg (Author and Child & Adolescent Psychologist) were among experts and public figures who signed a letter which was recently sent to the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General Censorship Ministers.

Other key figures included:

  • The Hon Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC, Former Chief Justice of the Family Court and Founding Patron, Children’s Rights International
  • Tim Costello, CEO World Vision, and
  • Noni Hazlehurst, AM Actor, Child advocate.

The Letter stated:

We, the undersigned, are opposed to Restricted pornographic publications and material being sold where they can easily be seen and accessed by children.
We call for the sale and display of Restricted publications to be limited to adults-only premises.

Further, we support a review of the Classification of Publications Guidelines, to determine whether there should be more stringent requirements for the display of the so-called "lads” magazines such as ‘People’ ‘The Picture’ ‘Zoo’ and ‘Ralph’ magazines etc.

Their aim is to ban the sale of pornographic magazines from public venues easily frequented by children and young people under the age of 18 years, such as newsagents, milk bars, convenience stores, supermarkets and petrol stations. It is feared that these ‘lads mags’ are adding to the increasing sexualisation of young people.

Julie Gale from Kids Free 2B Kids, said ”… allowing pornography and overtly sexualised images to be sold in the public arena with easy access for children and teens tells them that this is acceptable. It gives it public validation.”

This point of view was supported by Catherine Manning of Say No 4 Kids who feels that ”Exposure to adult sexualised material can send the wrong message to children about what’s expected of them as adults. Girls think they should behave like ‘porn stars’ and boys expect them to.”

A recent review written by Dr Linda Papadopolos, “Sexualisation of Young People” explores the dangers of the growing trend towards the ‘normalisation’ and acceptance of both the sexualisation of our children and the connection between this growing trend and the increased acts of violence against woman and children.

An online poll conducted by Fairfax found that out of 8,732 people who responded to the question “Do you agree that these magazine should be banned?” only 33% felt that the magazines should be banned.

The publishers see no harm in widely displaying and selling these magazines. Scott Briggs, manager of regulatory affairs at PBL Media, the company that owns ACP, said. “We have no issue with a stricter approach to enforcement but we see no need for the bans being proposed,” ACP is responsible for publishing titles such as Ralph, FHM and Zoo.

Writer Helen Splarn. Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.

SOURCE: Kids Free 2 B Kids

To read review “Sexualisation of Young People” in full