The Sexualization of Early Childhood

        The sexualization of early childhood has become more intense and more socially accepted throughout the world. In the media there are lyrics of songs, children shows, and toys that are portray sexual messages to our children. ‘Girls and boys constantly encounter sexual messages and images that they cannot understand and that can confuse and even frighten them” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009). “Children are paying an enormous price for the sexualization of their childhood.” (Leving & Kilbourne, 2009).

        Professionally and personally I have come across many examples of how the sexualization of early childhood illustrates the exposure of young children to a highly sexualized environment. Below are my top 3 examples of how sexualized children are becoming:

1.     A family friend’s daughter once made a statement at dinner on, “how does she get to look hot so that she can be on the private touch list at school?”

2.      When I was at a football game that my cousins were playing in, the cheerleaders had very suggestive lyrics and not appropriate dance moves for their cheers. They were all 10.

3.     The show “Toddler’s and Tiaras”. The mothers and fathers of this show dress up their daughters to make them look not like little girls, but like sex symbols. They go tanning, get their nails done, and work out. These parents are grooming them to understand society’s definition of “pretty” and what their bodies should look like.

When children grow up in a sexualized environment it does have implications on their development. “Gender roles modeled for children have become increasingly polarized and rigid. A narrow definition of femininity and sexuality encourages girls to focus heavily on appearance and sex appeal. They learn at a very young age that their value is determined by how beautiful, thin, “hot,” and sexy they are. And boys, who get a very narrow definition of masculinity that promotes insensitivity and macho behavior, are taught to judge girls based on how close they come to an artificial, impossible, and shallow ideal” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009). “Children learn that sex is the defining activity in relationships, to the exclusion of love and friendship” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009). This idea carries over into their adulthood and will alter how relationships are made, their gender identity, sexual attitudes, and values (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009).

How I feel to respond to the concerns of the sexualization of children and to reduce the negative impacts it has on children is mainly monitor what children view. From music, to TV, to movies, and to toys, children are exposure to over exposed to sexual content.” In the most extreme cases, the media’s incessant sexualization of childhood can contribute to pathological sexual behavior, including sexual abuse, pedophilia, and prostitution (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009). To have a supportive family member that talks to a child about sex is important, but not in detail. A role model is always an important part in a healthy child’s development.

This week I have become aware by how the sexualization of early childhood is a major issue that needs to be addressed. Parent and educators need to be aware of this topic to be able to identity when a child has had been exposed to much and factors that cause this exposure. Prevention is key here and without knowledge of this topic, it cannot be prevented. 

Reference

 Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf