Public dismay at Primark’s padded bikini for seven year olds

A few major clothing stores such as Primark and Tesco caused a lot of public controversy and concern this week after they were accused of sexualising children by selling padded bikini tops for children as young as seven. Both clothing chains have now withdrawn the sale of these bikini tops and Primark publicly apologised and said they would donate profits to a children’s charity.

A lot of people were shocked and appalled that such stores would sell this sexualised image to young, innocent girls. David Cameron described the sale as “disgraceful”.  It is the latest store to face such criticism about items that our considered inappropriate for children, but it is not the only store. Asda have previously been pin pointed for selling a push up bra aimed at young girls,  Tesco were forced to withdraw a pole dancing kit which disgustingly featured in the ‘toys’ section. Furthermore WHSmith withdrew their Playboy stationary last year, but did not justify their reasons.

David Cameron demanded social responsibility and spoke about how as a nation we force early commercialisation and sexualisation upon young children. In order to put an end to this the Mumsnet Let Girls be Girls campaign offers retailers and manufacturers the chance to end premature sexualisation of young children along with charities such as the NSPCC.

Previously I had been unaware of how many sexualised products are available to young children, and after this story hit the headlines this week it made realise how unjustifiable and wrong these actions are. I too agree that young children are forced to behave and act like adults long before they should, there is a vast amount of pressure on young girls to look grown up, and this coincides with the ideal of having big boobs. I feel that kids should be kids for as long as they can, they should look and behave like kids and should not feel forced to look older than they are. Growing up, facing puberty and the complex world of adult sexuality is difficult as it is, so lets not force it on them till they’re ready.