The Sexualization of Early Childhood

             The issue of sexualization is scary and upsetting to me. It is hard to imagine, but sexualization definitely begins during the early childhood years. I have seen and heard incidences of sexualization with my preschoolers and each time it is upsetting to me. I have always wondered how I should handle the situation to best meet the needs of my students and other children. It is clear that movies, music, advertising, clothing, etc. have really changed over the years. As a child my mother would not allow us to wear provocative clothing, watch inappropriate shows or listen to inappropriate music. It is upsetting that industries are using sex and violence to make money and how they target young children.

            Levin and Kilbourne (2009) gave several examples of sexualization and at first I could not believe what I was reading. It was hard to imagine young children doing or saying such inappropriate things. After thinking about it, I realized I have seen and heard things similar to the examples provided. One thing I thought about was how young girls dress today. They are encouraged to dress like certain characters. Preschool aged girls want to look sexy and provocative because they have seen certain characters dress the same way. I have heard boys in preschool refer to girls as being “sexy”. My first reaction was shock, because my 11 year old son does not even use that term and here is a 4 year old saying “sexy”. I can also remember a young girl in preschool saying sexual comments while holding herself inappropriately. I realized these children had to hear it from somewhere else. Television shows, movies, songs and even commercials are filled with words like “sexy” and actions that are even worse.  I also think certain extreme beauty pageants are encouraging children to dress and act inappropriately for their age. I remember one time seeing a documentary on young girl beauty pageants and I could not believe the way the little girls were dressing and dancing. They were dancing in a very suggestive manner. The message these girls were receiving is that if they do not act sexually and dress provocatively, then they were not going to win the contest. It is sad that children receive messages that their inner beauty was not enough to win, but instead they have to act older and be something they are not in order to win.

         Girls receive messages that their worth is determined by how “hot”, sexy, thin, or beautiful they are (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009). This type of message encourages girls to stress about their looks rather than being themselves. Boys receive a poor definition of masculinity that only promotes insensitivity and macho behaviors (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009). This type of message encourages boys to be violent and try to be in control. The messages children are receiving will impact their gender identity, self-esteem, and relationships for years to come. Children are going to be confused about what is important and how they are supposed to act. I feel creating a safe and loving environment is very important. Children need to feel safe and comfortable in being themselves and communicating with us. I think providing age appropriate activities, books, toys, music, and media allow children to act like children rather than like teens or adults.  I want my students to interact with each other in ways that encourage healthy relationships.  I want to help students have a positive self-image and encourage them to support each other. I feel using resources, activities, and discussions will help children gain insight on age appropriate behaviors, and will allow them to develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively in a healthy manner.  This topic is definitely an eye opener for me. I am more aware of the impacts sexualization can have on young children and how it can impact them for years to come. I want to build a classroom where children are encouraged to be themselves. The seriousness yet sensitive nature of this topic only means that I will need to address issues that occur carefully.  

 

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