Music videos facing tougher regulation
A government inquiry into the sexualisation of children is expected to call for tougher regulation of sexualised music videos, alongside establishment of a single online portal for parents to complain about inappropriate content.
The report is being compiled by Reg Bailey, chief executive of the Mother’s Union, and is specifically targeting the retail, advertising and video industries.
Principally this will place the emphasis on parents as the ultimate arbiters for acceptability to their children, a process which is likely to see the sector given 18 months to voluntarily change their ways, or face or face tougher state sanctions.
It will also bring pressure to bear on Ofcom and the ASA to ensure that a harder line is adopted against content deemed exploitative.
Bailey said: "For us to let children be children, we need to let parents be parents. That means giving parents the support and encouragement they need to help their children understand and resist the harms they face.
"But it also means putting brakes on ever greater commercialisation and sexualisation facing children in modern society. Only then can we look to create a truly family friendly society that protects children."