The Welsh Government has promised to act to prevent the early sexualisation and commercialisation of children.
The Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services Gwenda Thomas made a commitment to develop an “all-encompassing policy for children” during an Assembly debate on the topic.
She said: “I need to take a wider view of childhood and an all-encompassing policy that we are developing for our children. As a Government, we are fully committed to supporting children and young people, to ensure that they have the best start in life and the opportunities to reach their full potential.
“Our approach continues to be underpinned by the seven core aims that are based on our commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. As a result, I believe that we have made a positive difference to the lives of children and young people over the last few years.”
Plaid Cymru AM Jocelyn Davies led the debate and was followed with contributions from South Wales West AM Bethan Jenkins, Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams, Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones and Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns.
Ms Davies, the AM for South Wales East who secured the debate, said afterwards: “I’m very grateful to the deputy minister for her positive response to my calls for the Welsh Government to consider the wide-range of pressures facing children and young people today.
“A number of charities and groups raised concerns that the recent Bailey Report failed to adequately provide a child-focused investigation into the sexualisation and commercialisation of children and I hope that the Welsh Government will seize the opportunity to address this.
“I welcome the government’s commitment to work with all interested agencies to ensure that the happiness and wellbeing of children is paramount.”
Ms Davies also welcomed the Deputy Minister’s commitment to consult with the Children’s Commissioner on future policy and added: “The Welsh Government’s intention to ask the Children’s Commissioner to include in his annual report the issues I have raised is very welcome indeed.
“I look forward to that annual report and hope it forms a starting point in new policy in this field.”