The Petition of the students of Coloma Convent High School and the people of Croydon,
Declares that size zero models set an unhealthy and unrealistic example to young girls, and influence the incidence of eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to introduce industry guidelines for the responsible employment of health models and guidelines for the media to ensure the responsible portrayal of women.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mr. Andrew Pelling, Official Report, 6 April 2010; Vol. 508, c. 944.]
[P000817]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport:
The Government take seriously all matters of health and wellbeing, including the prevention of eating disorders, and would like to see all those working in the fashion industry taking a strong lead on the promotion of a healthy body image, particularly to young people.
The Government keep these matters under review and this Department remains in regular touch with the principal regulatory bodies in the media whose responsibility it is to ensure that that matters of serious public concern continue to be addressed by their codes.