London Met psychologist calls for change on the growing sexualisation of young people
Dr Linda Papadopoulos, a respected clinical psychologist and honorary visiting reader at London Metropolitan University has been commissioned by the Home Office to write a report on the growing sexualisation of young people.
In her report, Dr Papadopolous argues that the growing prevalence of sexualised images in magazines, television, mobile phones and computer games is having a damaging effect on children.
The report, which is published today, recommends that a working party is set up to find a way to label airbrushed fashion and beauty spreads, starting with teenage magazines. It argues that false images of perfection are making young girls insecure about their looks and encouraging them to believe that super-skinny is the norm.
'I think we are presenting young people with constructs and concepts that they're neither emotionally or cognitively able to understand’, Dr Papadopolous explained. ‘I have spoken to young people, parents, teachers and professionals and it is clear to me that this is a very emotive issue.’
The report recommends that age restrictions are put on magazines such as Zoo and Nuts to prevent young boys from buying them and warned that computer games and clothing with sex-related slogans are sexualising children from an early age. 'The problem is we are imposing inappropriate adult sexuality on our kids,' she said.
The report also argues that sexually provocative music videos are too easily accessible by children and suggests that broadcasters should not be allowed to air music videos that feature sexual content or suggestive lyrics before the 9pm watershed.
Dr Papadopolous also calls for the curbing of what she describes as the ‘mainstreaming of the sex industry’ and suggests jobcentres should be banned from advertising vacancies at escort agencies, lap-dancing clubs and massage parlours.
Home secretary, Alan Johnson, welcomed the report saying: ‘Changing attitudes will take time but it is essential if we are going to stop the sexualisation which contributes to violence against women and girls.’
26 February 2010