The controversy about the use of images of naked children in works of art has been hot in the media this week.

I’m of the view that sexualisation of children is a bad thing and images that serve that purpose are not appropriate. The picture in question is quite a nice photo, but in my view is something that belongs in the family’s own photo albums, not on display in the public domain. I don’t find anything at all sexual in a photo of a 6 year old child, but there are freaks around who do … why give them fodder for their fantasies? Also, I can’t see that children this young are able to give informed consent about the use of their images in the public domain.

Pictures of your children running around nude, or in the bath, or whatever, may be beautiful, and they may capture moments of great joy and fun. Fair enough, enjoy them with your family, even trusted friends. But I just don’t believe, knowing what we know about the presence of sickos in our communities, they are for widespread public consumption.

Now, for the big question – check out the girl (Olympia Nelson)’s father’s shirt and bow tie- art or porn?

FYI – possibly NSFW – you can see the picture at the centre of the controversy here.

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