10-year-old Thylane Loubry Blondeau in a provocative shoot for Vogue in 2010. Pic: Supplied

Source: Supplied

10-year-old Thylane Loubry Blondeau in a provocative shoot for Vogue in 2010. Pic: Supplied
Source: Supplied

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CLOTHING manufacturers, retailers and publishers could be forced to abide by government regulations if their products, music and magazines continue to promote the sexualisation of children, a federal politician has warned.

MP Amanda Rishworth, , who has a masters degree in psychology and is chair of the parliamentary committee on education, said parents felt helpless to control the onslaught of inappropriate clothing aimed at children and ads featuring provocative images of pre-teen girls.

"I don't think we have broad enough standards and guidelines that encompass the whole area," said Ms Rishworth, who has campaigned against the commercialisation and sexualisation of children.

"Parents are struggling with this. I don't think it is as simple as banning things but industry does need to take some more responsibility and start responding to parents' concerns and the government does have a role in that.

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"If industry doesn't move, I do think there is a role for government regulation."

That is the path for France after much public debate and dismay with advertisers and fashion labels.

Last week, a French government report urged the banning of "mini-miss" beauty pageants and high heels, padded bras and G-strings for children. Using models under the age of 16 in fashion campaigns should also be illegal, the report said. An outcry over the use of 10-year-old Thylane Loubry Blondeau in a provocative shoot for Vogue in 2010 prompted the report.

Psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg said eroticised images had a devastating effect on teen confidence.

"(One study found after) watching those classic Pussycat Doll-type videos, highly sexualised videos, girls walked away feeling really bad about themselves and had really poor self esteem," he said. "And that was after just 10 minutes."

Ms Rishworth said guidelines may be needed to decide if it is appropriate to display magazines with suggestive covers at children's eye level, broadcast sexualised music clips during children's viewing hours or display sexy clothing in junior sections of shops.

She has been inundated by worried parents calling for change after twice raising the issue in parliament.

"We don't want to get into a situation where we tell parents how they parent (but) parents are screaming for (help). The focus needs to be more on what assists parents which is why we need to move industry and have a full cultural change."