Facing huge financial losses, Playboy has diversified in part by marketing directly to children. Family advocates, however, say the clothing lines and school accessories go too far. “The marketing is an example of them saying ‘Well, it’s just the Bunny,’” said Diane Levin, professor of education at Boston’s Wheelock College. “But it’s something that children are going to think is an image for them, and then they’re going to see it somewhere else, like on a magazine at a newsstand, and they’re going to look for it. It’s a way to lure them in and get them interested, and make it harder and harder for parents to limit and create appropriate environments for them.” Alesia Adams, who works with The Salvation Army to fight human and sex trafficking, said parents need to be vigilant. “It should not be acceptable for your child to wear Playboy Bunny earrings,” she said.
