CHILDREN as young as three are being targeted by advertising for products such as strapless bras, "wet shine" lipstick and skimpy clothing.
A report released yesterday by think tank the Australia Institute, Corporate Pedophilia, found tweens — pre-teens — were increasingly being sexualised in sophisticated ad campaigns as retailers, cosmetic and clothing companies tried to reach younger markets.
Advertising for tween products often positioned children to draw attention to gender differences such as broad shoulders for males, and defined hips, waist and breasts of females, the report found.
"Children do not yet possess these physical attributes, yet they are dressed and posed as if they do," co-author Emma Rush said.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/ads-using-sexy-children-rapped/2006/10/09/1160246071551.html