Schools should be encouraged to come forward if they think any of their underage pupils have been given Botox or fillers – a Councillor has suggested.
West Yorkshire Trading Standards recently wrote to over 50 businesses across Bradford to “advise them of their obligations” in making sure cosmetic procedures are not given to under 18s – which is illegal.
But a Trading Standards boss has acknowledged that the issue is difficult to police – with the service almost entirely reliant on people coming forward to them with information about businesses acting illegally.
During a meeting of Bradford Council’s Corporate Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Dave Green (Lab, Wibsey) suggested schools could be a vital source of information – and asked whether staff could be encouraged to contact Trading Standards if pupils appear to have had fillers or botox injections.
Work done to tackle rogue companies providing cosmetic procedures to children was discussed as part of an annual report by West Yorkshire Joint Services – of which Trading Standards is a part.
Trading Standards often carries out test purchases in shops to see if staff will sell alcohol or tobacco to children.
But Andy Robson, director of WYJS, told members that such test purchases would not work when it comes to cosmetic procedures, as it would require the undercover young person to actually get the illegal procedure.
Cllr Green said: “I have to say, I know I’m not the target audience, but I wasn’t aware of the age restriction.”
Mr Robson replied: “It is a relatively new law (2021).
“We are also unable to do test purchases as it would need the young person to buy and have the procedure.
“We are doing what we can, but it is difficult to know how much illegal activity is going on.”
Cllr Green replied: “The chances are the intelligence is going to come from Mrs Miggins ringing you up to say her daughter has had it done.
“How well do you advertise these rules?”
Mr Robson replied: “We are reliant on parents coming to us with information.
“We have written to businesses and got them to sign a declaration saying they are aware of the rules – it is not the ideal way of dealing with it, but it is a deterrent because businesses know we are there.”
Cllr Green added: “It might be worth making sure schools are aware of the law. If parents don’t want to shop their kids, then schools might be able to pass on information if it is becoming an issue with pupils.”
