Policy brief 267 - Sexualization in the public arena: how do we protect children?
The Centre d'analyse stratégique recently published policy brief 267:
The use of sexualized images in the media, the sale of goods and services focusing on adult sexuality for young people and children's exposure to sexual or pornographic pictures, the fact that sexuality is taking up an increasingly larger place in public spaces and the potential impact on children is a growing concern for specialists and parents.
In this policy brief, Centre d’analyse stratégique (CAS) looks at the measures discussed or implemented abroad since the early 2000s. The most efficient measures tend to be those that adapt to the children’s age and those that use an educational approach, while fighting against exaggerations.
Summary of foreign measures that have been proposed or taken
Regulations:
- Ban all television advertising directed at children under 13.
- Force pornographic magazine covers to be hidden in public places or limit distribution to certain places.
- Ban beauty contests for minors.
- Create a center for reporting abuses in the media and in the business (advertising, programs, clothing, toys).
Self-regulation:
- Effective implementation of charters limiting exaggerated representations of men, women and children in the media.
- Incentivize clothing and toy brands to adopt a code of conduct.
- Incentivize schools to launch a debate on dress codes for students.
Education and empowerment:
Children:
- Support the creation of magazines for children and teenagers that feature non-stereotypical content.
- Sex education, including reflections on the sexualized society.
Parents and educators:
- Increase information about Internet parental control.
- Educate parents on being aware of the sexualization.
- Create multimedia tools for children, parents and educators (including websites or hot lines on sexuality, contraception, child welfare, education, etc..).
Press Contact:
Jean-Michel Roullé, Head of communications
jean-michel.roulle@strategie.gouv.fr
Tél. : +33 (0)1 42 75 61 37
Jonathan Lorrillard, Communication officer
jonathan.lorrillard@strategie.gouv.fr
Tél. : +33 (0)1 42 75 60 39