The Sexualization of Early Childhood

The topic of the sexualization of early child is a topic sort of near and dear to my heart.  I have always been bothered by our current media culture of “sex sells” and how this notion is being used to market products to younger and younger children.  In our society, children have countless opportunities for exposure to sexualized messages every day. Television, music, billboards, print media, Internet, cellphones and communication devices, cable, movies, and of course interaction with peers and adults, offer children numerous possibilities where they can encounter sexual messages of all sorts.  I especially believe that advertisers are presenting kids with ideas about sexuality that they are far too young to comprehend and analyze. 

The implication this may have on children’s healthy development is that the sexualization of childhood is having a profoundly disturbing impact on children’s understanding of gender, sexuality, and relationships (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009).  Unfortunately children’s exposure to sexualized messages occurs far too frequently without the guidance and intervention from adults that is necessary to help children sort through and make sense of it all. Often, these sexual messages are not only explicit but also violent and demeaning in nature, with an abundance of male dominant and female submissive imagery- misogynistic (characterized by a hatred of women), hetero-sexist, homophobic, and sensational.  As an early childhood professional, I have learned that he best way to respond to these concerns and to reduce the negative impact on children is to become an approachable adult on all matters sexual. If we take it upon ourselves to speak honestly, lovingly, and on a regular basis with our children about the sexualized world around them, we will help them make sense of it, help them to put it into an understandable context, and help them to counter any potential negative consequences to all this exposure. As teachers and parents, we can't hide our children in the closet. The world is sexually complicated for all children but our job is not to run away from it. Rather, we need to make sure we speak, listen, and guide our children every day so they can make sense of their sexualized world.

My awareness of the sexualization of early childhood has been influenced and modified by studying the topic this week.  This week’s learning resources gave me food for thought in my life as an early childhood teacher and is very thought provoking for anyone interested in media, gender issues, child development, or popular culture.  I feel empowered by learning the knowledge and skills I need to effectively and caringly help my children navigate the sexualized pitfalls of our culture.   In particular, talking to our kids, monitoring their consumption, and helping them make better choices.   I feel better prepared to help my children grow up sexually healthy and whole in this sexualized culture we live in.

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