US experts recently warned that the media's portrayal of young women as sex objects harms girls' mental and physical health.

Magazines, television, video games and music videos all have a detrimental effect, a task force from the American Psychological Association reported.

Researchers say sexualisation can lead to a lack of confidence with women's bodies as well as depression and eating disorders.

Following "public concern" about the sexualisation of young girls, research on the content and effects of television, music videos, music lyrics, magazines, films, video games and the internet was analysed, the BBC reports.

In addition, recent advertising campaigns and merchandising of products aimed at girls was also scrutinised.

"The consequences of the sexualisation of girls in media today are very real," said Dr Eileen Zurbriggen, chair of the group and associate professor of psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz.