The Sexualization of Early Childhood

Children are frequently depicted as grownups in advertisements and editorials. The issue of child sexualization has sparked debate in recent years, owing in part to the activities of fashion corporations and the media. In addition to traditional advertising, additional formats such as things related to makeup, haircuts, accessories, music, and provocative postures or gestures have been added to sexualize children (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009). I would also add video gaming to this list. The issue is serious, and both boys and girls are targeted and the media is complicit in spreading these images without considering the consequences for children. There’s a well-known saying in the media business that “sex sells” and many industries profit immensely using sex and violence to market products to children (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009). Perhaps the most disturbing example of this phenomenon is the increasingly early sexualization found in products aimed at girls, from clubwear-garbed Bratz, and Monster High dolls, to thong underwear aimed at preteens (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009). Action figure toys are giving boys and girls unrealistic unattainable body images (Derman-Sparks & Julie Olsen Edwards, 2010), along with eating disorders. Boys are encouraged at an early age to think that being a man and being physically strong go hand in hand, and girls are encouraged to being slim is attractive. Children are society's most marginalized and vulnerable citizens, as evidenced by their lack of a public voice.

Childhood is a unique period of rapid physical and psychological development during which young children's, mental, and emotional health and well-being can be permanently changed for better or worse. Young children’s body image begins to develop early alongside the growth of their physical, cognitive, and social abilities; even infants have a general sense of their bodies (Common Sense Media, 2015). Through this sexualization children are learning that sex is the defining activity in relationships and that buying the right products not only make them appealing but lead to success. Not only do these messages shape their gender identity, sexual attitudes, and their ability to form meaningful relationships, but rob them of positive and age-appropriate experiences that they need for healthy development (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009).

I have personally seen very young children singing lewd words from popular songs, gyrating, and making suggestive movements with their bodies imitating video personalities. I also have young girls with clothing and hairstyles that definitely make them look older. As educators it is our responsibility to monitor and teach appropriate usage of media tools. Although me can not tell parents how to dress their children we can monitor behaviors and actions that deal that are inappropriate in the classroom. We can also send out current research information to all the families as a resource or FYI about the sexualization of children through commercial marketing and media without offending or singling out specific families.

Society has previously recognized the impact of these images on children's life. Organizations such as Save the Children, The UN Global Compact, and UNICEF encourages enterprises to put in practice their responsibility to protect human rights, which requires business to both prevent harm and actively safeguard children’s interests (Save the Children, The UN Global Compact & UNICEF, 2012 as cited in Llovet Rodríguez, Díaz-Bustamante & Patiño Alves, 2016)

I also found this video of how young girls view the the sexualization of young girls. I found it very enlightening hear their point of views. Here is the link. https://youtu.be/B2PddIma3LQ

References

Common Sense Media. (2015). Children, Teen, Media, and the body image: A common sense research brief. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/file/csm-body-image-report-012615-interactivepdf/download

Derman-Sparks, L., & Julie Olsen Edwards. (2010). Anti-bias education : for young children and ourselves. National Association For The Education Of Young Children.

Levin, D. & 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. http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf

Llovet Rodríguez, C., Díaz-Bustamante, M., & Patiño Alves, B. (2016 May 1). The sexualization of children through advertising, fashion brands and media. Prisma Social, 1, 156-189. https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/3537/353747311006.pdf