The Sexualization of Early Childhood
Young
children are exposed to many messages and images that infer their values is contingent
upon how sexy they are for girls. Boys
are judged how macho and insensitive they are. These messages can confuse and
even frighten young children (Levin, D. E., &
Kilbourne, J. 2009).
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Exposure
to images of sexual behavior lacking emotions, attachments, or consequences is detrimental
to young children’s emerging sense of self. This constant exposure influences
children’s perceptions and they begin to associate physical appearance with
success and they learn that sex is the major factor in a relationship. Cartoons,
dolls, clothing ads and media portrayals are all contributors to the
sexualtization of childhood (Levin, D. E., &
Kilbourne, J. 2009).
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Children as young as five years old are
talking about being girlfriend and boyfriend in my granddaughter’s class. She
came from school one afternoon and announced that Don and Amy were a couple.
Her father asked her what she meant and she answered you have to have a
boyfriend so he will like you.
A six
year old boy talking to a classmate comments “Man these babes are hot”. When
questioned why he said this he replied that’s what they say on the video I
watch on my TV”. Media impacts how children view the opposite sex and how they
are treated.
In the
dramatic play center the conversation is about how to look sexy so your man
will like you. These comments are indicative of the influence media and society
are having on children’s healthy development. Children should be given honest
and age-appropriate information regarding sex and sexuality. Their
understanding of gender, sexuality and relationships has been misconstrued due
to the influence of messages and images in the media. These messages also
affect the child’s development of healthy attitude about their bodies and the
ability to have caring relationships (Levin, D. E., &
Kilbourne, J. 2009)
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Providing
children with positive role models and learning experiences that promote gender
equity and positive self-worth is essential in the early childhood environment.
Helping children develop attitudes of respect for themselves and others requires
accurate information regarding sex and sexuality. Advocating for stricter regulation
of marketing directed at children and working toward an awareness of how these
images and messages affect children’s social and emotional development.
References:
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/introd
Comments
I agree that children are being exposed too early about all the wrong meanings of sex. Last week I had 3-4 students who were singing this song with this real catchy beat. I later asked my daughter about the song and she said that it's about a girl who is proud of her weight. Young children should not be listening to music that is not age appropriate. The media plays a huge part in the destroying of young children's thoughts regarding sex. My solution is for parents to really supervise or monitor what their children are viewing and listening too.it is the responsibility of parents to teach their children about sex so that children will not be caught up in the web of wanting to dress, look, and act like someone else in order to validated as an individual. Thanks for sharing!
Cotati
My boyfriends daughter is 4 and she came home saying that classmates of hers "go together". We said to her, "What do you mean they go together" and she said, "You know what I am talking about." She I am sure hears things like this from her older sisters or on T.V. It is interesting how quickly children catch on and what they compose from what they hear.
Caitlin