My reactions after reading this article was of wanting to learn more about this topic, I have always been concerned about the messages children were receiving in the media and society in general. My fears are based on behavior, a have observed over the years as a head start teachers, and seeing how things have gotten worse. My first experience of sexualization was in a head start full day classroom 12 years ago. During our group time we were all dancing when one of the little three year old girls started to dance in a way that seemed very sexual and provocative. I remember seeing the others children’s face as they tried to figure out what she was doing. I had to eventually turn off the music, since she just would not stop and started to get to close to the boys while she was dancing. Then I a had a little boy bring one day, a stack of cards of playboy girls that he was showing to the boys during free play, when I asked the little boy were he got them he said that his uncle gave them to him, because all men like see girls like this. I can sadly provide a list of examples that I have been aware of children being exposed to sexual material and behavior that they should not be exposed to. Sadly material that caregivers are not taking precaution in order to prevent this from happening. Children are seeing rated R movies, soap operas and magazines that are full of imagines and sexual behavior that children often play out in school, because they do not actually understand the meaning of what they see. Then my ten year old daughter, which in fifth grade was telling me that her and her best friend are the only two girls in her classroom that do not have cell phones and Facebook. She also mentioned that many of her classmates already have a boy friend and are all exited, because of San Valentine’s day coming. After she mentioned this to me, I tried to talk to her about what each think meant and why they were things that at their age were not necessary to do or have.
In my opinion the implication of racing children in such a high sexualized culture, is as the article So Sexy So Soon mentions “Boys and girls are routinely exposed to images of sexual behavior devoid of emotions, attachment, or consequences”. Girls are growing with the miss conception that appearance and sex appeal are the most importance aspects of being a girl, the sexier you are the more value you have. Boys taught see girls as objects with no feelings or value. What this promotes is more insensibility and violence towards women, men and children as frustrations and self esteem grow as they try to meet the expectation that society places on them.
As a professional in the field of Early Childhood as well as a parent of 3 children, my suggestion is that we should inform parents of the implications of exposing their children to unnecessary sexual images. It is so easy to just ignore or consume products that are not age appropriate and just because they look cute. I would also include activities in my lesson plan that talk about the importance of respecting our body and others. Also activities that talk about things that make us unique and important, things that have nothing to do with being pretty, sexy or strong. The way in which learning more about sexualization of early childhood had influenced my conception, it’s encouraged me to learn more about the subject as well as to inform the parents I work with of the implications as well as seeing these factors more seriously.
I'm not a mom but can I say say "THANKS" for not allowing your 5th grader to have Facebook or a cell phone?! I don't know why a 5th grader would need either one, but I can tell you that this year at our elementary school cell phones and Facebook are the top two ways our kids at being bullied/harassed and pressured into being sexual with each other on their "dates". This is now causing problems at school like never before. I've never seen such strict supervision of our students in the hallways, bathrooms, and playground as I have with this group because of all the "drama" caused with Facebook and cell phones.
ReplyDeleteChildren are missing out on their childhood and their life as an adult begins before they are ready emotionally. This damage often runs deep and can cause mental/emotional problems for the rest of their lives. I wish parents would slow down their push to make kids older than they are. I've talked to hundreds of parents who wish their children were little/innocent again. The regret is there so much that I wish other parents would listen and not make the same mistake.
Isabel, I agree that things have gotten worse. Partly due to popular performers like Brittney Spears, the target age for sexually charged material has gotten younger and younger. It's frightening, and I agree that we should be pointing out the negative effects to the parents in our programs. Actually, I do that all the time and I bet you do, too : )
ReplyDeleteHi Isabel,
ReplyDeleteYou have some really great suggestions on how we as early childhood professionals can help lessen the impact of the sexualization of early childhood. I especially like your idea of including lessons and activities that help teach children to respect their bodies and others. The sexualization of early childhood is really closely tied to a child's sense of self-worth and body image; before reading "So sexy so soon" I had thought this would mainly impact girls. However, after reading this I realized that this issue really impacts all children and like you said, creates unrealistic expectations for both girls and boys.
It is sad that we have so many examples of children being exposed to sexuality; hopefully we can work towards lessening the impact of what children are exposed to and help other parents do the same. Thanks for sharing!