PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 17 JANUARY 2008

Jigsaw Disgusted With Jay Jay’s New Children’s Clothing Range

Jigsaw Family Services is disgusted with a new pre teens clothing range that has come out, which is called “Little Losers”.

The T-Shirts, aimed at children as young as ten years of age have a series of messages on them not suitable for children.

Jigsaw CEO Strategic Relationships, Tau Huirama and Jigsaw Deputy Chairperson and Manager of Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri, Hera Clarke support Children’s Commissioner Cindy Kiro’s statements about the T-Shirts and are very disappointed that a leading clothing shop for young people would be selling clothes with such inappropriate messages on them.

Mr Huirama believes people should be aware that the T-Shirts are degrading of children and wants to discourage parents from buying them.

“T-Shirts with offensive and derogatory messages exploiting children should be avoided. Children excel when parents encourage their children to be the best they can be and will then be likely to live the messages of possibility.”

Ms Clarke is concerned that the T-Shirts are making a joke of situations that are very serious for children in New Zealand.

“It is disappointing to see such a popular children’s clothing shop make light of situations that are very serious for young people in New Zealand. The T-Shirts make fun of young men within a sexual connotation, brand girls as bitches and make fun of girls being intoxicated. This is no laughing matter for young people in New Zealand. T-Shirts like these are making sexual issues, behavioural issues and drinking alcohol seem cool and fun. This is the wrong message to send to young people in New Zealand.”

Both Mr Huirama and Ms Clarke are concerned that the owners of Jay Jays cannot see any harm in these T-Shirts. They say they would be happy to discuss this issue with them so they can come to understand the concerns.

ENDS

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