Newsagent has porn on bottom shelf where kids can see

[msVal]

I asked him if he would move it (it was the Daily Sport with a really awful full page photo of a woman on the front page) or at least cover it up but he refused. The shop sells little toys, colouring books and sweeties for children so obviously wants them to come in and spend their pocket money, but is happy to display pictures like this to them too.

I can attempt to protect my little girl from adult content on tv, films, internet but what can I do about a newsagents? Are there laws/government rules that prevent this kind of thing?

What can I do? Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Has anyone else had to deal with this in their local shop?

Thank you x

(ps I also posted this on the Other forum - then realised this is a more appropriate place)

[omnishambles]

The Daily Sport isnt 'porn' is it but yes its annoying all the same - you need to not frequent it and tell all your friends not to do so if you feel that strongly and tell the newsagent that as well.

[msVal]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I didn't want to describe the photo but it was a almost naked woman, bending over, legs spread, looking back towards the camera. It was definitely porn. Honestly, way beyond acceptable.

I can go elsewhere and advise friends to do the same - but surely photos of naked woman in suggestive poses should be kept out of childrens view in a neighbourhood shop?

[policywonk]

Daily Sport bloody well is porn.

Well done for complaining. Maybe send him a letter saying that you will ask other parents to boycott his shop unless he moves the material to somewhere above child's-eye height?

[policywonk]

Have a look at this PDF from Object (the anti-objectification of women campaign). It has some advice about how to complain and take action against shops.

Re. legality, it says this:

It is perfectly legal to ask to see the manager and to make a complaint about what is being sold in their shop.
It is also perfectly legal to put magazines in paper bags as long as you don't damage the magazines or make them unsellable, and as long as the messages you write on the paper bags cannot be construed as 'offensive', i.e. no swear words.
It is perfectly legal to take photographs of the displays as long as there is no notice saying that photography is prohibited.
Issues regarding the legality of these actions arise, however, if a manager asks you to leave the store and you refuse - as that can be interpreted as trespassing. Therefore, you must leave the premises if asked to do so by the manager if you do not want to be liable for trespassing.
If the store is on a high street, and therefore on public property, it is perfectly legal for you to
continue petitioning outside the store.

[mamas12]

Thank you Policywonk for that link
I am going to try to get involved with this for the sake of my son as well as my dd.
I hate the fact that he could think like this, becasue of course you don't listen to your mother at 13 do ya.

[policywonk]

Thanks mamas Object is a good organisation if you're into this sort of thing.

[msVal]

Thanks policywonk - this is really useful, I will have a look at the link now. Good idea about sending a letter to the newsagent as well.

Mamas - that's so true. I don't want my daughter to be subjected to this kind of imagery, and I don't want the boys around her to have this image of women forced on them either.

I was thinking there must be a law that says porn has to be kept on the top shelf - but can't find any info on one if there is...

[msVal]

just to add - one of my friends just sent me this - a thing that is being discussed in government about this issue. Glad to see it's not just me who has a problem with this!

www.thefrontpagecampaign.org.uk/OurWork/News/tabid/58/newsid460/2/Default.aspx

[megfleet]

I work for the only campaign/charity that is actively fighting to get lads mags age restricted and out of sight from children. Go to our website www.thefrontpagecampaign.org.uk we would really appreciate being featured on here. We come from a childs point of view, and have alot of political backing.
Please also sign our petition which can be found on the website. Visit our facebook group: front page campaign

We'd love to hear your comments :-)
Thanks
P.S you can send us details of shops you'd like to complain about and we will write to them for you. Also we have a shocking video of a newsagent selling hard core porn at floor level search for the campaign on youtube!