If the Queensland government can ban junk food advertising they can ban sexually explicit advertising, says Wendy Francis, director of the Australian Christian Lobby’s Centre for Human Dignity.
These comments come after the Queensland government’s Health Minister announced that they will prevent junk food advertising from appearing around public schools, sports centres, community recreation venues and other government-owned and operated facilities including transport hubs.
“For years the government has said they can’t do anything about regulating advertising, not even banning sexualised advertising for the sake of our kids. Yet here they are banning junk food advertising – for the sake of our kids.
“There is overwhelming evidence of the short and long-term effects of sexualised advertising on children. Particularly the negative influence this advertising has on their cognitive functioning, physical and mental health, sexuality, and attitudes and beliefs about their own worth.”
“Children should be free to be children and not forced to see this kind of advertising.” Mrs Francis said.
The Australian Christian Lobby calls on the Queensland government to include sexualised advertising in the ban around public schools, sports and community centres, and other government-owned facilities.
