Calls for tougher regulations on raunchy music videos

Movie-style ratings could soon apply to music videos that are overtly sexual if the recommendations of an inquiry into the sexualisation of children are adopted.

Proposals to be unveiled by an independent review next week are expected to include tougher regulations on the time that raunchy videos can air, pushing them back to after the 9pm watershed.

The recommendations mean that videos by the likes of Rihanna or Christina Aguilera could carry a 15 or 18 certificate if they contain nudity or highly sexualised dance routines or motifs.

The review has been overseen by Reg Bailey, chief executive of Mothers’ Union, whose research has confirmed widespread concern among parents about the sexualisation of children in Britain today.

The proposals are expected to recommend a clamp down on the sale of sexualised children’s clothing in shops, and a ban on the placement of adverts with sexual imagery in the vicinity of schools – a ban that already exists for alcohol and fast food establishments.

TV broadcasts of sexually explicit dance routines by pop stars and the sale of sexualised children’s clothing has dismayed many parents.

There was outcry last year when Christina Aguilera and Rihanna performed highly sexualised dance routines on the X Factor final prior to the 9pm watershed last year.

The review was commissioned last year by David Cameron to look into the sexualisation of Britain’s children and how they could be better protected.

He spoke of his concern last year over “unnecessary and inappropriate” sexualisation that could “take away the innocence” of children.

“Some businesses are dumping a waste that is toxic on our children. Products and marketing that can warp their minds and their bodies and harm their future.”

A Mothers’ Union survey found that nine out of 10 parents worry that children are under pressure to grow up too quickly. Four out of 10 had seen products or images in public places in the last three months that were inappropriate for children.

The same number said they had seen TV shows or advertisements pre-watershed that were unsuitable for their children to watch. Nearly half felt that the 9pm watershed had no force.