'What are lad mags doing to Women?'

The writers refer to women as if they were animals or prized possession. One article might explain how to "train" a girlfriend; another refers to breast augmentation surgery as a "refit" and breasts as "air-bags".

One magazine's notorious "Win a boob job for your girlfriend" competition shows similar disregard for women's wellbeing. Hardly surprising, given that they are characterised as indecisive, irrational, excessively talkative, and obsessed with their appearance.

The editors say their photos of scantily-clad women are titillating rather than actual porn. Women displayed for the purpose of sexually exciting readers IS porn.

These magazines average 70 topless photos per issue - that is more than Playboy.

Alternatively, they say it is soft rather than hard-core porn. We should not distinguish between the two on anatomical terms; both can be degrading.

Lad mags like to give the impression that women are desperate to slip between their covers, with pages of readers' photos, many said to have been sent in by the women themselves.

Moreover, one magazine runs a "Street Strip Challenge", asking passers-by to pose in their pants. The message is clear - normal women know it is just a cheeky bit of fun, and if you do not think so, you are prudish.

With readers as young as 10- to 12-year-old boys, according to some surveys, what type of men will that result in?

Unlike glossy magazines for girls and women, there is little mention of contraception, STDs, unwanted pregnancy or, heaven forbid, responsibility for others' feelings.

Sure, if I don't like them, I don't have to read them. However, they are impossible to avoid - at newsagents, on flights, trains and in the doctor's waiting room.

These magazines should be consigned to shuttered shops, away from the general public who may not want to read them for religious or moral reasons, or just because they are in poor taste.

Actually, I’m just kidding. They are great !!

Capital Knockers Madam!