B.C. group advocates against costumes

by James Zimmerman

A B.C. children’s advocacy group is warning parents of the potential implications that come with wearing sexually-themed costumes this Halloween.

The Children of the Street Society is a provincial society and federal charity dedicated to preventing the sexual exploitation of children and youth in British Columbia. Executive director Diane Sowden said they have received a number of phone calls from school principals in her area.

“We are seeing some kids dressing up as a ‘pimp’ or ‘ho’ and we are asking parents to not allow this,” said Sowden.

Schools in Windsor have adopted a “hands off” policy, meaning the decision to allow costumes is on a per school basis.

“We do not have an official policy when it comes to wearing Halloween costumes at our schools. It is up to the individual school to make that choice,” said Greater Essex County School Board executive assistant Melissa Leboeuf.

Prince Edward Elementary School does not participate in any Halloween activities, believing it to be a “home activity” according to principal Angela Miloyevich. Campbell Elementary holds a black and orange day to help raise money for charity.

Sowden said the sexual exploitation of these costumes can be detrimental to a child early in their development and can lead to long-term emotional and physical trauma. She urges all parents to dress their children appropriately this Halloween.

“The message is clear. It’s not socially correct to dress up as a pimp, a gangster or a sex trade worker this Halloween,” said Sowden.