The Sexualization of Early Childhood

            The reading this week about the sexualization of children was very informative.  I once heard it said that sex sells.  So, it is no wonder to me that the media, clothing industry, toys, books, and music are all capitalizing on the innocence of children.  As Levin & Kilbourne (2009) state, “Children growing up today are bombarded from a very early age with graphic messages about sex and sexiness in the media and popular culture” (p. 2).  The images portrayed focus on outer beauty rather than inner beauty.  As a mom of a five year old, there is a battle taking place with the culture.  I found it interesting that Levin & Kilbourne (2009) point out that information about sex, given in a developmentally appropriate way, is not the problem; the problem is the message about sex and sexuality that children are receiving.              

            I am trying to raise my daughter to have a healthy view of herself as any parent would.  I love the chapter in the Bible (Proverbs 31:10-31) that discusses a virtuous woman.  I want my daughter to grow up to become a virtuous woman.  With the messages and bombardments that come from the cultural view of beauty and sex, there is a battle with the culture.  One of the ways that we have really been floored is in clothing, especially summer clothing.  Bikinis for toddlers and young girls?  Why is that necessary?  At an early age, children are given the message that the more skin, the better.  And do not forget the shoes.  We were sandal shopping the other day at a department store.  In my daughter’s size, there were hardly any girl sandals that were not two plus inches with a wedge heel and to me very adult looking.  Can this even be healthy for the children’s feet?  At another department store we were looking for church dresses.  The dresses in the children’s section looked like they were from some prom somewhere!  Lacy, low cut, strapless, just to name a few.  Shorts are another area that is way too sexy!  I am amazed that for young children, they are so short.  Again, what’s the purpose?  Obviously, it sells! 

            I agree with the authors when they discuss the damaging effects of sexualization at such an early age.  I think that children are seeing that beauty comes from sexiness rather than what type of person you are.  I think perhaps one of the outcomes of this is that violence can occur as well as negative self image.

            I think this week has made me feel that I am not alone.  There are others concerned about this same topic as me.  In the classroom, I need to try to make sure that I am doing what I can to combat these views and teach truths.  Of course, involving families and making sure they are aware of resources and research is a step in the right direction.    

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