The Sexualization of Early Childhood

I am really happy to finally have a discussion about sexualization. I have always felt that the media, industries, and others influence children's identities and what they deem to be the appropriate way to be and behave. Children growing up today are bombarded from a very early age with graphic messages about sex and sexiness in the media and popular culture (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 2).


Three examples of the issue:

I had a conversation with my 5 year old nephew a couple of days ago about girls. He stated, "Pretty girls wear makeup and short skirts." I asked, "Why do you say that? Do you really think girls have to wear makeup and small clothing to be pretty?" He replied, "Yes! That's how the girls dress on the cartoon I watch. They always have on makeup and the boys like them. The girls who don't wear make up are ugly."

I enjoy spending the weekends with my nieces and nephews. They are full of surprises and I learn a lot from their behaviors. One day, two of my nieces were in the living room playing with their toys. While in the kitchen washing dishes, I noticed the room became very quiet and I could hear Beyonce's, "Drunk in Love" song playing on the television. I walked in the living room and saw the two of them singing the words to the song and begin grinding on the floor. They were trying to do every dance move and movement that Beyonce made.

Lastly,

While browsing on Facebook, I saw two girls "twerking" to a rap song. The two girls appeared to be about 5 years old and seemed to enjoy the attention they were receiving from their loved ones. I overheard adults in the background saying, "That's my baby! Show them how it is done!" The girls had on tight, short shorts and shirts that showed their stomachs.

Indeed, this is very unhealthy to children's development. Children will assume that dancing sexually, wearing makeup, and tight clothing is acceptable for young children. Children may feel that they are not worthy or good enough if the do not mimic what they see on television. I would communicate to children that this type of behavior is unacceptable. I would further discuss the importance of respecting ourselves as young women and men and to respect others as well.

My awareness of sexualization has definitely been influenced. I am more encouraged to teach young children to love and appreciate themselves and not be influenced by certain things that they view on television, social media, and others. Also, I find that it is important that I set a positive example for young children by wearing clothing that is appropriate.

And by the way, I instantly turned the television channel when I saw my nieces dancing inappropriate.I told them that this type of dancing is bad for young children. I encouraged them to continue to play with their toys and focus on being little girls.

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