A meeting of the Public Petitions Committee was convened yesterday at the Scottish Parliament to consider a petition by Margaret Forbes, calling for the Scottish Government to introduce and enforce measures to ensure that magazines and newspapers containing sexually graphic covers are not displayed at children’s eye-level or below or adjacent to children’s titles, and should be screen sleeved before being placed on the shelf.
Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People, Tam Baillie, who was called to give evidence, explained that he has in his possession evidence sufficient to convince him that there is a serious problem. He received his evidence from The Front Page Campaign.
Marlyn Glen MSP also had our evidence, and with several others expressed serious concerns.
It was accepted by the committee that the NFRN guidelines are completely voluntary and are not enforceable, and that further action is required by the government.
Justice Secretary Mr MacAskill said: “There is a problem. We recognise that. We're happy to work with you to try and make the situation better.” The next session is tabled for 3rd November.