COMMERCIALISATION OF CHILDHOOD

6 December 2007

“Growing Up in a Material World”, the National Union of Teachers’ consultative charter on commercialisation, was first launched at our Annual Conference at Easter 2007.  The charter was published in response to the growing impact of advertising and marketing on children and young people.  It was welcomed by a range of other organisations and individuals who shared these concerns.  At the time of its initial launch the charter was, however, a work to be completed.  The NUT believed it was vital to hear the voices of those most affected by the issues raised in the charter: children and young people themselves.

So during May and June 2007, the NUT, with the support of School Councils UK and the English Secondary Students’ Association, conducted a survey of young people aged 8 to 15 views on issues relating to commercialisation. The survey covered a broad range of issues with questions on areas such as advertising, marketing, self image, healthy eating and the availability of foods high in fat, salt and sugar. The survey also included questions to establish not only how young people spent their time but also to give an insight into how they experienced advertising and marketing, for example, through the internet and through watching TV.

The launch will be held in the Wilson Room in Portcullis House from 6.00 to 8.00 pm on 11 December 2007.  Helen Goodman MP, Deputy Leader of the House of Commons has kindly agreed to host and chair the event. I am pleased to confirm that the following have also agreed to speak: David Willetts MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills; Annette Brooke MP, Shadow Minister for Children; Paul Clark MP, PPS to Rt Hon Ed Balls MP; Rob Williams, Chief Executive of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner; Kathy Evans, Policy Director, The Children’s Society; and Sue Palmer, author of ‘Toxic Childhood’.