Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the strong evidence, supported by the Australian Medical Association, that premature sexualisation is likely to be detrimental to child health and development, particularly in the areas of body image (which can lead to eating disorders) and sexual health. Community standards also recognise the societal harm of sexual advertising, particularly towards women and girls, as it can generate increased sexism, increased rates of sexual harassment and sexual violence. The Queensland Government have a plan to limit the negative health impact on children of potentially harmful advertising. They have announced a ban on junk food advertising near schools, sports grounds and public transport hubs. This is to be commended and presents an opportunity for Queensland to lead the way in protecting our children’s health

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to include sexually inappropriate advertising in their advertising ban in line with existing guidelines for children clearly identified by the Australian Association of National Advertisers Code for Advertising and Marketing Communications to Children who state that advertising directed towards children must not employ sexual appeal and or include sexual imagery. Schools, sporting fields and transport hubs should be safe zones for children, free from the negative effects of harmful messaging which includes junk food advertising as well as exposure to sexualised images and themes.