The Sexualization of Early Childhood

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

Today we are bombarded with an image that tells children that their bodies are sex object. This image sends the message that boys should be masculine, and girls should be feminine. The article “So sexy so soon” recognizes how changing times has exposed our children to information, words and the idea that what they see on television, media and even some children network that represent what children see. One image that comes to minds when I walk through the mall and see children fashion as the adult wear.  Television image shows children wearing makeup, dressed as if they were about to pose for sexy ads (Levin & Kilbourn, 2009).

The messages that media, television, and advertisement are sending tells children that it is okay to use children as a sexual object. This incorporates the message that children can be used as an object to promote business, to increase sale, and it create a negative environment for children. In an negative environment, children can be exposed to stereotype that narrowly defined a child appearance. When children focus on this type of appearance this promotes precocious sexual behavior  (Derman-Sparks& Edwards 2010).

As an early educator professor, it is clear that we have help show children as children as long as they can. We have to promote and protect children as much as possible. We have to encourage parent to work with schools to create a health environment. We want children to develop positive self-esteem to help them know the difference between good and bad sexual.

 

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Levin, & Kilbourn. (2009). So sexy so soon The new sexualized childhood and what parent can do to protect their kids. New York: Ballantine Books.

Wardle, F. (2011). Responding to racial and ethnic diversity in early childhood programs. Exchange (01648527), 198, 68-71. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Education Research Complete database: http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=59177263&site=ehost-live&scope=site