Sexualisation, violence, commercialisation, commodification: Right to Childhood conference hears evidence of harm to children

From Melinda Tankard Reist's blog.

The Right to Childhood conference last Friday at Sydney’s Wesley Centre was a wake-up call to a society hell bent on forcing children to be exposed to imagery and messages which wreak havoc on their physical and mental health. Initiated by Dr Ramesh Manocha of HealthEd and co-sponsored by Collective Shout, close to 400 people heard expert evidence on just how bad things are for children and young people: and how all the indicators on health and wellbeing are set to worsen if not addressed as a matter of urgency.

Rivers uses 'dead' women to sell clothing

We were recently alerted to the front page of River's latest catalogue, '10 deadly deals.' We have previously written about Rivers' objectification of women here. It seems River's have decided that even 'dead' women are to be objectified and used to sell products.

Tell Rivers what you think of their new approach to advertising

[UPDATE] The Ad Standards Board has dismissed complaints - Read determination here.

We have received several emails from Collective Shout supporters about the latest Rivers Catalogue.

From the Advertising Standards Bureau

Sexuality and nudity, social values, discrimination and vilification, language and health and safety are issues which concerned the community in this year’s most complained about advertisements.

Cross'em off your Christmas list

Jingle bells, Christmas is here. Well, it was here around October according to most retailers! But that’s another blog entirely. So it’s time for you to fill the Christmas stocking, Christmas hamper or car boot with goodies again.

Collective Shout speaks out against billboards depicting violence against women and gets results

Collective Shout supporter Patrice had posted a message about this billboard on our community page. We followed that up with a blog post encouraging other supporters to take action by writing to the Advertising Standards Board. The Advertising Standards Board have upheld complaints against Calvin Klein billboards in Sydney and Melbourne. Thanks to all who made their voices heard on this issue. As reported by the Herald Sun:

Child experts and advocates say 'Let children be children.'

A number of Collective Shout supporters contacted us about the latest Witchery catalogue, which portrays children in adult styled clothing and poses.

The issue has since hit the media with a number of child advocates speaking out about the catalogue.

Just one week after Melinda Tankard Reist wrote about Woolworths promoting the Lynx Lodge, Woolworths has agreed to withdraw from the Lynx Lodge promotion. Lynx was holding a competition with Woolworths, where a winner will be the first to stay at the Lodge with seven friends. Collective Shout supporter Jade posted Woolworths response to the letter she sent them about the Lynx Lodge.

Today, from Melinda Tankard Reist's blog

Why would Woolworths associate itself with the objectification of women?

Lynx now include women in their range of products at the "Lynx Lodge."

We already know that Lynx produces some of the most sexist and degrading advertising you can find (or rather - finds you). So I'm not sure why I was surprised  to hear that Lynx is opening a resort called "The Lynx Lodge."