H&M Faces Backlash For Allegedly Sexualizing Children In Ad; Takes Down Campaign Amid Criticism

Fashion giant H&M issued an apology and removed a school uniform advertisement in Australia following complaints on social media that it sexualized children, according to CNN. The Sweden-based clothing giant expressed regret, stating, "We have removed this ad. We are deeply sorry for the offense this has caused and we are looking into how we present campaigns going forward."

The controversial ad, featuring two elementary schoolgirls in school uniforms with the slogan "Make those heads turn in H&M's Back to School fashion," was taken down after social media users labeled it as "creepy" and "disturbing."

Some individuals shared their personal experiences of feeling objectified during their school years, as reported by CNN.

Australian writer Melinda Tankard Reist, known for her work addressing issues of sexualization and the impacts of pornography, was one of the first to oppose the ad on social media. She stated, "Little schoolgirls generally don't want to 'turn heads.' The large numbers I engage with in schools want to be left alone to learn and have fun and not draw unwanted attention to their appearance."