Australian grandmother, Helen Schofield, became more than a little concerned when she tried to buy dolls for her granddaughters and could only find what she considered to be over sexualised dolls, baby or ‘rag’ play dolls.
At the time, Helen was forced to import suitable play dolls from the United States, but she realised that not everyone would go to so much trouble to find suitable toys. She took matters into her own hands by creating Australian Girl Dolls.
The idea of a uniquely Australian play doll was sparked when Helen Schofield couldn’t find quality dolls for her own granddaughters that weren’t either babies or teenagers. She searched many stores and websites but could only find dolls similar to what she wanted overseas or imports in specialty shops at high prices.
At the same time Helen became aware that the concern she already had regarding the negative impact of popular culture on young children appeared to be growing in many others across the Australian community. These two things were her inspiration and motivation to do something. Why not design dolls especially for our own Australian girls! So with the help and encouragement of family and friends she did.
Australian Girl is fully Australian owned and endorses the work of Kids Free 2B Kids and Women’s Forum Australia. Through research and education regarding the sexualisation of children in the media, advertising and clothing industries these organisations promote psychological health and emotional well being of Australia’s children.
Obviously, concerns about the over sexualisation of children isn’t only a concern in Australia. All around the world our daughters and sons are being forced to grow up way to fast by a sex soaked culture.
“If the message is that you should be sexy and grown up, instead of being a kid – then kids aren’t practicing and learning how to be whole human beings that will actually make them into great adults. They are instead only imitating adult behaviour, without understanding it – and that’s very dangerous for their development”. – Amanda Gordon. President, Australian Psychology Society.
“I tell parents, ‘don’t buy sexy clothes for your children’. There’s nothing smart about having a 4 yr old in a little bra. It’s time for adults to take a stand, for parents to take a stand and say ‘this is what we want for our children’ – instead of children saying ‘this is what I want for me”. – Amanda Gordon. President, Australian Psychology Society.
“There is a concern that we are sending very conflicting messages to people. On the one hand, we’re telling people that children need to be protected – that paedophilia is regarded as one of the most heinous crimes – on the other hand we allow advertisers and marketers to present images and saturate our media with images that might be sexually arousing to some paedophiles in the community.” – Dr Louise Newman. Director, Institute of Psychiatry.
“Childhood is shrinking. We are exposing children to adult concepts that they can’t manage, that are developmentally inappropriate, and I think we are going to pay the cost for this in a range of emotional and psychological costs down the track.” – Dr Joe Tucci. Australian Childhood Foundation.
“Sex is being used to grab the attention of not just adults but kids as well. If the multibillion dollar ‘tween’ market is any indication, it’s a sales pitch that’s working”. – Dr Karen Brooks. Senior Lecturer Communication & Cultural Studies, University of Sunshine Coast.
“It is folly for us to pretend that the trend towards sexualisation of childrens fashion and advertising is harmless. It is part of a cynical but savage fight for our spending dollar, and the earlier children are pressed into thinking sexually, the earlier they will act sexually”. –
Rob Robertson. Ministerial co-ordinator, Australia. Setting Captives Free.
Helen joined me in the studio at 98.5 Sonshine FM this morning to talk about her concerns and the positive action she took to help others facing the same struggle. You can hear our conversation by clicking the play button on the audio player at the bottom of this post.
I’d be interested in your point of view on this topic. Do you think we need to protect our children from the negative effects of our culture?
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