Retailers accept Minister Fitzgerald’s invitation to prepare guidelines on the responsible retailing of childrenswear
Guidelines to respond to concerns over sexualisation and body-image
28 February 2012
Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs has welcomed the decision by the industry group Retail Ireland, to prepare guidelines on the responsible retailing of childrenswear.
Last month Minister Fitzgerald wrote to Irish fashion retailers inviting the sector to prepare guidelines to address growing concerns over the sexualisation of childhood and body-image, in particular among young girls.
Minister Fitzgerald states: “I warmly welcome the decision of Retail Ireland, following consultation with their members, to proceed with the preparation of guidelines, similar to those introduced in the UK last year by the British Retail Consortium.
“Safeguarding our children and protecting childhood is a task which falls to all of society. We all have a responsibility and I welcome Retail Ireland’s initiative in this important area.
The Minister added that “guidelines should not just be about restricting what you can sell, but instead should provide a more constructive guidance on best practice on a range of issues such as styling, age-appropriateness, size, labelling and marketing.”
