Topless teen sparks outrage

NATIONAL: Debate over the sexualisation of underage models has intensified following news an Australian magazine is under investigation for featuring pictures of a topless 16-year-old model.

The Australian Classification Board has contacted executives of Russh magazine for publishing a controversial spread with Auckland-based model Zippora Seven. One picture features the 16-year-old topless in a bubble bath surrounded by four bottles of champagne.

In an interview with Sydney's Sunday Telegraph, Zippora's Australian agent Priscilla Leighton-Clark admitted the shot was inappropriate.

"It's wrong that our girl has appeared in [the] magazine exposing her breasts when she is [that] young."

The condemnation follows a series of government and industry initiatives aimed at combating the premature sexualisation of children in the media. Last month, organisers of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week announced a ban on models under the age of 16. The Australian Senate is also currently undertaking an inquiry into the sexualisation of children in the contemporary media environment. A full report is expected for release on June 23.