The Sexualization of Early Childhood

It saddened me to read about the sexualization of early childhood. However, it didn't surprise me at all. We live in a very different world. It seems like the more women show, the sexier society views them. Most celebrities are seen half naked. Therefore, people are trying to look like the celebrities. Parents don't realize that their children are observing everything that they do. Parents are the first teachers. It is sad that children today have to grow up in a world in which everything is so sexualized. It's like they are being exposed to all of the wrong things, and this is forcing them to grow up way too quickly.

One example of young children being exposed to a highly sexualized environment is the television show Toddlers and Tiaras. I used to watch this show frequently because I could not just believe that parents could actually append so much money on pageants. I was amazed at just how much some of them would spend on those pageants. Eventually, I stopped watching the show because I became disgusted with how grown up the little girls looked. Some of the girls wore clothing that was way too revealing, and the moms stood in the audience cheering their daughters on. Many of the girls wore fake lashes and hair and had tons of makeup caked on their faces. I just felt that they were being forced to be adults before it was time. It's almost like they were being robbed of their childhood. I could no longer continue to watch such nonsense.

Another example of children being exposed to highly sexualized environments is the videos that I see on television. My daughter absolutely loves music. She is only two years old, but she is wise beyond her years. All day long she says, "I wanna dance, Mommy!" I don't mind allowing her the opportunity to express herself through dance because it is something that she enjoys doing. However, I am very cautious when it comes to what I allow her to watch and listen to. Some of the entertainers and singers are just ridiculous. I realize that sex sells and most of them are just trying to make money by any means necessary. That's why I have to be mindful of the things that I let my children hear and see.

The final example of children being exposed to a highly sexualized environment is the lack of positive examples from parents. many parents aren't setting positive examples for their children. They are dressing provocatively and using vulgar language in front of their children. I know that I have to be mindful of the things that I say and do around my children, especially my daughter. Children are like sponges. They are constantly soaking up everything that is going on in their environments.

 

All of these example could have a negative impact on gender identity because they could give the wrong idea about what it is to be a boy or girl. Therefore, adults have to make a conscious effort to set positive examples for our young children. If not, it easy for children to get the wrong ideas about gender identity. Early childhood professionals have to take a proactive approach when it comes to tackling these issues. first, it is important for early childhood professionals to talk to parents and families to get a better understanding about their views in regards to these issues. Once this happens, the ECE professional will gain a better understanding of just how to approach these issues. I think that one of the best things that can happen if for adults to address these issues with children so that they are not confused or misguided.

References

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