RESOLUTION #64T-1996 AAP ANNUAL CHAPTER FORUM

TITLE: SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN IN ADVERTISING

SUBMITTED BY: District IV

Whereas, pediatricians are concerned with the severity and increasing number of reports of child sexual abuse; and

Whereas, consequences of child sexual abuse are far- reaching, including psychological trauma, impaired health and sexual functioning as adults, sexually transmitted diseases, and the increased risk of becoming a sexual offender or being revictimized; and

Whereas, irresponsible advertisers are employing methods that sexually exploit children by depicting them in sexualized, explicit or suggestive poses and making adults appear 'child-like' and sexually desirable; and

Whereas, such advertising methods may increase the likelihood that children will become targets of sexual abuse, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the American Academy of Pediatrics define forms of advertising that depict children as sexual objects and oppose such advertising; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the AAP amply support advertisers using healthy, nonsexual, and age-appropriate themes.