I often get asked questions like ‘what can I do?’ about the sexualisation of children.

I think the key to change is collective grass-roots action so here are just a few ideas that may help you start your own local campaign:

  • Ask your local video store manager to move the ‘adult only’ section away from the children’s, family and comedy sections. Surprisingly, this is not an uncommon arrangement.
  • Ask your supermarket to stop displaying sexualised magazines such as Ralph, Zoo and FHM where children are easily exposed. Also, ask your newsagent to stop displaying advertising for these magazines in their windows.
  • Approach store managers to complain about sexualised merchandise that is either aimed at children or displayed where children are likely to view it.
  • I have often been surprised at many retailers’ willingness to make changes once their awareness has been raised. So speaking up does make a difference. It’s a good idea to say that child development professionals are very concerned about the negative impacts of sexualisation and that increasing research backs up those concerns.
  • Take a moment to become familiar with the Advertising Standards Board website and utilise it to make complaints. Remember, billboards are not screened before going into the public arena – a complaint must be registered before the Board will take action.
  • Ring the TV stations if you are unhappy with advertising or content in hours in which children are likely to be viewing. Remember it is up to you what you let into your home. If you don’t want your children exposed to certain content explain to them why you want them to switch the TV off.
  • If there are certain toys or dolls that you don’t want your children to receive as presents, tell your friends. Many parents are starting to say no to Bratz dolls, no to makeup parties for young girls, and no to logo T-shirts such as ‘I’m too sexy for my t-shirt’.
  • Some parents are concerned that their children’s dance class routines are emulating the sexualised moves of music video clips. Talk to the dance school if this is a problem.
  • Get together with a group of like minded people who are concerned, and discuss ways you could make a difference. It only takes one to start.
  • Speak to your local MPs to see if the issue of sexualisation is on their agenda. The ALP have recently written into their policy to “work towards developing strategies to prevent and reduce the damage being caused by the increased sexualisation of children in the media and popular culture.” (Chapter 7: Securing an inclusive future for all Australians – Young Australians). We need to make politicians accountable. We want to see what action they are going to take.
  • I have received numerous complaints from parents who are concerned about music video clips in bowling alleys. If you are concerned, you can speak to the manager and say something like:
    “I’m wondering if you have any protocol or guidelines about when you show sexualised music videos – I’m concerned about the young children here who are being exposed to very grown up content. There is quite a lot of research now that shows that music videos have a very negative impact on young girls self esteem. Is there any chance you would consider changing your program?”
    A friendly approach is often the first best step.
  • People have emailed me to let me know the results of speaking up. Here is a great suggestion from Jacquie N:
    “Hi…I spoke to the staff at my local library about the adult magazines on the shelf where kids can see them, they agreed … I have noticed some of the more adult ones, Ralph etc., seem to have disappeared.  Has anyone else noticed these magazines in their libraries, and if so, are they out of the sight of young ones?”

For more information visit the Kids Free 2B Kids website at www.kf2bk.com or The Australia Council on Children and the Media at www.youngmedia.org.au.

Writer Julie Gale, director of Kids Free 2B Kids and Generation Next speaker. Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.