The Source: Ads for sex toys opposite Northcote High School sparks complaint

The inner-north neighbourhood prides itself on its progressive credentials but a set of posters opposite a local high school was too much even for this socially-aware heartland.

Ad Standards Australia dismissed a complaint over sex toy ads opposite Northcote High. Picture: Supplied

Putting the squeeze on Victoria’s movers, shakers and headline makers

The advertising watchdog has given the, ahem, rubber stamp to an ad for sex toys being displayed outside Northcote High School.

The decision will be a let-down to the gobsmacked parent who fired off a stiff complaint to Ad Standards Australia earlier this year, saying the posters were a shocker.

“The poster is placed outside Northcote High, which is completely inappropriate for children and teenagers,” the parent said in a written complaint.

The advertisement was on full display outside Northcote High School. Picture: Supplied

The ad features a purple $229 Womanizer Enhance clitoral stimulator, and the slogan “orgasms for all”.

All up, it was a bit of an eyeful. But the complaint flopped.

The panel said the complaint came up short because it was “not a product which would have principal or significant appeal to children”.

It ruled that while high school students might be drawn to the ad’s bright colours, “the wording, themes and overall content of the advertisement would be of principal appeal to adults”.

In short, the wise boffins decided teenagers aren’t preoccupied with sex.

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Originally published as The Source: Ads for sex toys opposite Northcote High School sparks complaint