Growing Up in a Material World

6 December 2007

Commenting on the National Union of Teachers charter on the commercialisation of childhood, Steve Sinnott, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Europe’s largest teaching union said:

“This charter is an important contribution to the current debate on commercialisation of childhood from the perspective of teachers and schools.

“Young people today face ever increasing exposure to the damaging effects of marketing and advertising.

“The pressure to conform and consume can lead to excessive levels of materialism and competition amongst children. This can have dangerous consequences for the physical and mental health of young people.

“Teachers and parents are alarmed at the commercialisation of childhood and the lifestyle pressures exerted on children. The marketing and advertising industries must become more socially responsible over their targeting of children and young people. The Government also has to recognise its role by stepping in should these industries not live up to their responsibilities”.