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Govt's skinny models code of conduct supported

Posted October 6, 2008 09:00:00

Skinny models: Body image is one of the biggest concerns among young people.

Skinny models: Body image is one of the biggest concerns among young people. (Getty Images: Dan Kitwood)

A peak fashion industry body agrees with Federal Government moves to try to stop magazine editors and advertisers portraying underweight models.

Youth Minister Kate Ellis says the Government is looking at introducing a voluntary code of conduct that would require magazines to tell readers when photographs have been digitally altered.

The Minister says body image is one of the biggest concerns among young people, and children as young as six are being diagnosed with anorexia.

Jo Kellock, executive director of the Council of Textiles and Fashion Industries of Australia, says she believes that intervention is needed because the industry has not been able to regulate itself.

"It would be hard to police it, but if the will is there and these [things] are being encouraged then I think, in general, people will support something that's nurturing and helpful," she said.

Tags: fashion, federal-government, advertising, australia

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