Lads’ mags should be top-shelf to protect children
Lads’ magazines, such as Zoo and Nuts, should have age restrictions and be made top shelf to curb the sexualisation of children, according to a study commissioned by the Home Office, it has been reported.
The report which will be published tomorrow argues that the magazines, which offer easy access soft porn content, computer games and the use of sexual slogans in advertising and branding are part of a media landscape that sexualises children and influences their behaviour, says the Guardian.
Its author, Dr Linda Papadopoulos, a clinical psychologist at London Metropolitan University, makes 36 recommendations in the report, including that a system of age certificates should be brought in to stop the magazines being sold to children at an inappropriate age.
The report is expected to support a recommendation from the Royal College of Psychiatrists that adverts featuring digitally enhanced models carry a warning kitemark.
The report was commissioned last year by the then Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, as part of a Home Office strategy tackling violence against women and girls.
Last week the Home Office launched an advertising campaign designed to challenge the attitudes of teenagers to violence and abuse in relationships.
Conservative leader David Cameron has also outlined proposals to end the sexualisation of children in advertisers and called for measures to enable parents to complain about offensive marketing tactics.
