Ban the bunny!

Teachers at a UK Catholic school have cracked down on stationary carrying the Playboy bunny logo.

Pupils have been banned from bringing Playboy pencils, ring binders and notepaper to school, and teachers have gone a stage further. They’ve asked the stationers who stock the products not to sell them to schoolchildren.

Staff from the school feel products bearing an adult industry logo have no place in the classroom – and that teenage girls are unknowingly advertising the sex industry.

One teacher stated to a local newspaper “When you’ve got girls aged about 12 and 13 years, that is pretty horrible”.

In the same interview a spokesperson for the stationers explained, “our range reflects the current consumer trends through the use of licensed products. The Playboy icon has evolved to become a recognised and popular fashion brand among today’s teenage market and is used by a wide variety of family retailers on different types of merchandise”.

The store representative has a point. The Playboy Bunny logo now appears on socks, key rings, mugs, a women’s fashion range, as well as stationary. Many people wear the logo with a knowing wink to the porn industry. Others may be less aware where the bunny logo originates.

Whilst it’s fine for adults to wear their Playboy Bunny logo with pride, there are issues to consider when they start appearing on stationary that teens can buy. I’m sure the school will be criticised for their stance. But as someone who is usually pro porn, in this case I happen to agree with the school’s position. I’m not convinced it’s appropriate for stationers to sell adult industry logo products to underage girls. If they can’t buy a Playboy magazine when they’re aged under 16, perhaps other Playboy products should be similarly off limits.

It’s for teenagers, parents and teachers to discuss. And for responsible storeowners to respect.

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