Smartphone app Star Girl has come under scrutiny for encouraging girls as young as 12 to dress sexily, invite boyfriends to their homes, and flirt for rewards, in the hopes of becoming models.
In the game, girls pick one of 3 careers: singer, model or actress. They’re invited to step ‘into the high heels of an aspiring celebrity who is setting out to build her career as a superstar while having a ton of fun along the way’.
They’re encouraged to dress their avatars in provocative clothes, including bondage-inspired lingerie, and to visit nightclubs to flirt with ‘hot celebrities’ in exchange for gifts.
They even compete in flirting challenges to win the affections of grown male avatars.
The app tells girls: ‘You’ve got the looks, but it takes more than than to be a star! Just remember that first impressions are the most important so make sure to wear only the trendiest outfit.’ ‘Hang out with your friends and go on dates with the hottest guys in town to find your perfect match.’
The app appears to be popular with young girls – it has more than 1.3 million “likes” on Facebook.
It’s free to download but lets players make in-app purchases,
But critics say it teaches girls that they must be sexually appealing to succeed in life.
