CHILDHOOD REVIEW.

4 February 2008

Commenting on the Conservative’s launch of their review into childhood, Steve Sinnott, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Europe’s largest teaching union said:

“David Cameron’s speech contains refreshing ideas about dealing with threats to children’s well being. Of particular importance is his recognition that relentless pressures of commercialisation undermine children and parents alike. I call on him now to commit his party to practical measures which will protect children.

“He should support a ban on television advertising focused on children up before the 9pm watershed. Parents come under enormous pressure to buy junk food, electronic games and expensive designer clothes for their children; products which they can often ill afford.

“He should urge the Government to convene a forum of industry, school and communities to establish a code which would prevent unethical advertising.

“Protecting children is a cross party issue.  I urge all parties to examine their ideas on their merits, not on a party political basis”.