One in three say high street is still sexualising girls

One in three say high street is still sexualising girls

Parents are increasingly concerned about the overtly sexual clothing being sold for children, a study has revealed.

More than one in three adults think children’s clothes ranges in high street stores are too grown-up – a significant increase from last year when the figure was closer to a quarter.

Experts are warning that retailers may be targeting impressionable young girls by producing children’s versions of provocative outfits worn by their favourite celebrities, such as 18-year-old U.S. singer Miley Cyrus.

Stores also may be exploiting the rise in teenage pregnancies in Britain by targeting young, fashion-conscious mothers who want to dress their little girls like miniature versions of themselves, experts say.

Last April, Primark was forced to abandon its range of padded bikinis for children following a public outcry which culminated in Prime Minister David Cameron branding the sale ‘disgraceful’.

The £4 bikinis, in pink with gold stars and black with white spots, were designed for girls aged seven to eight.

That same month, Tesco was criticised for selling high-heeled Disney Princess shoes for girls three years and over. Despite taking the bikinis off its shelves, Primark continues to sell padded ‘My First Bra’ underwear for primary school girls.

A survey of 2,000 adults by researchers Mintel found that 36 per cent – more than one in three – thought children’s clothing ranges were too grown-up. Among women the figure was 41 per cent. And for adults aged between 45 and 54 it was even higher – almost half said they were concerned.

This time last year, just a quarter of adults polled by Mintel said they were worried about children’s clothes.

Tamara Sender, the firm’s senior fashion analyst, said: ‘There has been progressively over the last ten years an increase in children becoming interested in fashion.

‘They read magazines, watch television and want to dress like the celebrities they see.

Retailers are picking up on this and many of the high

street stores – like Zara, River Island, Topshop and French Connection – now sell kids’ ranges.

‘With teenage pregnancy so high in this country, there are also a lot of younger mothers who want their daughters to look like mini-mes.’

Siobhan Freegard, co-founder of parenting website Netmums, said: ‘We need to differentiate grown-up clothes from over-sexualised clothes such as padded bras and crop tops, which we as parents should be taking a stand against.’

British Retail Consortium public affairs director Jane Bevis said: ‘Our members are responsible retailers. They work hard to ensure that all products designed for children are appropriate. Indeed, we’re supporting a Government review now.’

She added: ‘There are no hard and fast rules in this area. Different parents have different views.’Read More ...

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