The Sexualization of Early Childhood

Share your reaction to the topic of the sexualization of early childhood. 

The topic of sexualiztion in early childhood really bothers me. I blame the parents because they are responsible for what they children see and hear. Children in today’s society are more in tuned with the things that are portrayed on TV, things they see and hear in their surroundings, and their interactions with their peers. “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, pg. 2). This has been going on for many years and parents are blinded by the negative impact that it can have on their children.

Provide three or more examples, from your personal or professional experience, that further illustrate the exposure of young children to a highly sexualized environment. 

One thing that really upset me is when they came out with the pregnant Barbie doll. It saddens me as an auntie and my nieces were never allowed to play with Barbie dolls again.  The pregnant Barbie to me simplifies that it is ok to be pregnant. Young children misconceive these messages and want to be like the dolls they play with.

Another thing that get me extremely bothered is when I see young children wearing make -up. This past Christmas I went to my fiancé’s family house and his five year old niece had eye-shadow on. I told him that it makes her look grown. He told me that it is not my child so I do not need to be concerned. We got into a debate about it because I told him that whether it is my child or not, we should not allow children to grow up before their time.

Kids clothing has changed as well. I did not condone children wearing skinny jeans. They fit really tight and show all of the child’s features. When I was in Wal-Mart this young girl was standing in front of me was wearing skinny jeans. This little boy who appeared to be between 14 to 16 years of age was asking the girl her name. Her mother immediately turned around and said that the little girl was only nine and to please quit conversing with her daughter. If she would dress her daughter in age-appropriate clothes then there wouldn’t be any attention drawn to her.

Explain the implications this may have on children’s healthy development.  Include ideas you might have, as an early childhood professional, to best respond to these concerns and to reduce the negative impact on children

We live in a society that paints a picture as this is the acceptable way of living. These young children are growing up to fast and we as a nation must do something about it. Children spend too much time watching TV and do not engage in outdoor play activities like I did when I was a child. This is very unhealthy for children as they mimic everything they see and hear. We do not want our children to carry out behaviors that are not acceptable. Due to socioeconomic class some parents do not see after their children and have no clue about the behavior their children carry out. Educators are stuck trying to rationalize everything. “Parents and professionals everywhere are struggling to deal with this new sexualized environment and often feel confused about how best to respond” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, pg. 7).   As a future educator I will make parents aware of sexualization so that they do not allow their children to grow up so fast. If children carry out sexual behavior within my presence I will address the issue first hand so that children can understand why they must not act in that manner. I will also inform the parents of their behavior so that they can address the issue with their child.

Describe the ways in which your awareness of the sexualization of early childhood has been influenced and/or modified by studying the topic this week.

This topic has really stirred my curiosity about the well being of children. I want to do everything that I possibly can to protect them from harm’s way. Children are being exploited to sexual behavior and violence on a daily basis just by turning on the TV. We must put an end to this nonsense and make children and parents aware of the matter. Society as a whole must come together and do things that are in the best interest of young children. “Society should support you in your efforts rather than set up roadblocks at every turn”. I want to help shape the lives of many children but I cannot do it alone. From this day forward I plan to take a stand by being more observant to children behavior an appearance so I can identify if they are being exploited and address these issues firsthand before they continue to act out in this manner.

Reference:

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