MPs join girls' magazine debate

Eight MPs condemned the magazine

MPs have joined in the criticism of a new magazine aimed at nine to 12 year-old girls, which has been accused of portraying them as sex objects.

A group of eight Labour MPs, including health select committee chairman David Hinchcliffe, supported an early day motion in the House of Commons attacking Planet 3 - the publisher of Mad About Boys.

The motion condemned the magazine for "encouraging girls as young as nine to diet", adding: "It is wrong to push children towards sexualised behaviour and worrying about being thin when they should be enjoying childhood."

High street chain store Woolworths withdrew the magazine on Tuesday, calling its contents "alarming".

The magazine, which features articles on fashion, make-up, parties and a problem page, has also been criticised as irresponsible by Michele Elliott, director of children's charity Kidscape.

'Inappropriate'

She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Tuesday: "It is so inappropriate to sexualise nine and 10-year-olds. I am very concerned about them being told to wear slit skirts and look sexy, to worry about their bodies."

Richard Maskell, marketing director of Mad About Boys, said his company had not yet approached Woolworths about stocking the magazine.

He said: "It is very appropriate for their age range of customers, but we haven't even been given the chance to talk to them about the launch."

He insisted the magazine was in tune with the interests of young girls.