ADVERTISING OF CHILDREN'S TOYS

That this House is concerned that the methods used to promote and advertise children's toys are far too often gender-specific; believes this is especially noticeable in the advertising campaigns up to Christmas with separate advertisements for boys toys and girls toys; is further concerned that there is a risk that children's preferences and expectations will be channelled along out-dated traditional lines which may impact on their future educational and career choices; welcomes the progress that many retailers have made in removing unnecessary gender-specific advertising for children; and calls on all retailers to take action to end unnecessary gender-specific advertising.