Aware that the main areas that give rise to Sexualisation of children, include advertising and marketing campaigns, and the production and retail of products for children, which convey a sexual message, or misrepresent the child in a manner that conveys adult sexuality
Aware that sexualised images of girls and young women in advertising, merchandising, and media is harming girls' self-image and healthy development
Considering that research links Sexualisation with three of the most common mental health problems of girls and women: eating disorders, low self-esteem, and depression or depressed mood
Considering that such portrayal deprives children of the opportunity to be a child and encourages both the child and adults in age inappropriate behavior
Recognising that the Sexualisation of children is driven by adults through all stages of production, marketing and purchase
The International Council of Women calls upon its national councils to
1. urge their governments to ban products and advertising material that enables children to be seen as sexual objects
2. support products and companies that promote age appropriate products and behavior
Notes
This Resolution targets the main areas that give rise to Sexualisation of children, which include advertising and marketing campaigns, and the production and retail of products for children which convey a sexual message, or misrepresent the child in a manner that conveys adult sexuality.
The proliferation of sexualised images of girls and young women in advertising, merchandising, and media is harming girls' self-image and healthy development. A report produced by the American Psychological Association explores the impact on emotional development, mental and physical health, and impact on development of a healthy sexual self-image. (The full report can be viewed on http://www.apa.org/pi/wpo/sexualization.html).
Note: This Resolution does not address, or take any position on sex education in schools.
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Source: International Council of Women (ICW-CIF) — 32nd General Assembly, Johannesburg, South Africa, October 13–20, 2009. Resolution No. 3.
