Warning against ’sexy’ children’s clothes
Professor Sheila Greene, Director of the Children’s Research Centre in Trinity College, Dublin, was speaking about the growing array of ’sexy’ children’s clothing currently being stocked in shops throughout the country. Professor Greene said parents who allow their children to dress in skimpy clothing could lead them to develop poor self confidence, eating disorders, depression and an excessive preoccupation with their appearance.
“We’re seeing girls as young as four with jewellery and make up and clothing, thongs are being marketed for pre-teens and thongs and T-shirts with messages on them about flirting and being sexy.” She continued, “I would appeal to both parents and the department stores. The general public can change people’s attitudes on this.
People not buying this stuff is one of the main ways (to stop this).” The Trinity lecturer gave the stark warning as an American expert in gender studies, Professor Tomi-Ann Roberts, was in Ireland to deliver a talk at Trinity College, Dublin, on the cultural sexual objectification of girls. The talk pinpointed the bestselling ‘Bratz’ dolls as one of a wide range of toys which are contributing to the early sexualisation of young girls.