Every spring, Australian shopping centres turn entrances and main walkways into corridors of Halloween merchandise. Much of it depicts violence, horror, and supernatural themes that would earn an M15+ rating in film. Children cannot avoid these images, and parents lose the ability to control what their kids are exposed to.

The Ask

We call on major shopping centres and retailers to move Halloween displays into dedicated sections so that families can choose when and if they encounter them. Sign this petition to help protect children from distressing imagery in everyday spaces.

This is Personal

This is personal for me, for 3 reasons:

1. I remember as a kid, maybe 10yrs old, visiting family friends and my friend showing me a book, something about the history of war. He opened a page that showed ancient torture techniques. The picture was of men being impaled on sticks. I wasn't expecting to see that. That was 33 years ago and I can still see the image in my mind.
2. One of our boys knows it's Halloween season. He doesn't want to go to the shops. He'll close his eyes when we're going past the checkout in Kmart because he wants to sleep well at night. The shops aren't a safe place for him.
3. Another of our boys saw a row of witches at the checkout last week. He had a different response. He ran down the whole row turning them all on until there was a cackling cacophony in Kmart. Kind of funny in one sense. But in another, our kids shouldn't be desensitised to graphic content.

Graphic images stay with you for life.

Kids should feel safe at the shops.

Kids shouldn't be de-sensitised to graphic content

The Issue

Seasonal retail displays are expected, but the growing intensity of Halloween promotions raises real concerns. Studies in child psychology show links between exposure to violent images and increased anxiety, fear, and even sleep disturbances in children. 

Impact on Families

Children and young people passing through shopping centres, whether with family or with friends, cannot easily avoid these displays. Parents, therefore, lose the chance to decide what their children confront. Graphic horror themes in public areas make everyday errands unnecessarily stressful for families.

A Balanced Approach

This petition does not call for banning Halloween or restricting those who wish to celebrate it. It simply seeks to protect choice: just as alcohol, tobacco, and restricted-age films are placed in designated areas, so too should violent or frightening Halloween merchandise.

Our Request

Keep central shopping areas family-friendly. Relocate Halloween displays to sections where customers can intentionally engage with them. This preserves both the freedom to celebrate and the right of families to shop without involuntary exposure.

Take Action

Join us in urging major Australian shopping centres to implement this change. Your signature can help ensure these public spaces remain safe for children and considerate of all shoppers.