The Sexualization of Early Childhood
- Share your reaction to the topic of the sexualization of early childhood.
Reading about the sexualization of early childhood is a saddening topic. Children are already trying to make sense of the world around them. However, when the world is now filled with so many sexualized messages regrading how girls are suppose to look and act, along with how boys are to look and act, we can only imagine the struggle and pressure this brings them. I think about the impact these messages have on a young boy or girl's self esteem.
- Provide
three or more examples, from your personal or professional experience,
that further illustrate the exposure of young children to a highly
sexualized environment.
My niece is in 5th grade and slightly overweight. All of her friends talk about and wear the cute "barely there" clothing. My niece has began to feel that this is what is expected for a young girl to be "liked" or "pretty" Not only is society sending her the message that thin is in, she also receives the message that "barely there" clothing is in; both of which she is feels she does not meet.
Another example involves some students within a school I taught. Similar to one of the examples given by Levin and Kilbourne (2009) about two girls performing sexual acts in the restroom; several Kindergarten boys were in a bathroom stall also experimenting with activities they have been exposed to. Just as Levin and Kilbourne (2009) stated our children are being exposed to so many sexual messages that the can not understand.
As a professional I am able to see how many of my children are not enjoying the simply childhood activities I once enjoyed like coloring, being read to, playing at recess on the swings. Instead, I find many of my girls talking about make-up, clothes, and fashion websites for what is popular. Many of my boys are focused on who is the toughest boy. One of the boys even stated that when he gets in fights its okay because it shows he is strong and that is what he is suppose to do.
- Explain
the implications this may have on children’s healthy development.
Include ideas you might have,as an early childhood professional, to
best respond to these concerns and to reduce the negative impact on
children.
Throughout our courses we have learned many components that impact the healthy development of children. It is clear that children are highly influenced by what they see and hear. The sexualization of early childhood plays just as much impact on our children's healthy development as any other activities they are exposed to. In the early childhood years, children being to understand how they are alike and different from those around them, as well as develop their own understanding and sense of self. These sexualized messages within society on top of the development currently taken place can have a negative impact on children as they try to meet and reach society's messages.
- Describe
the ways in which your awareness of the sexualization of early
childhood has been influenced and/or modified by studying the topic this
week.
I did not realize the severity of this topic within our society. While I have encountered some very mind boggling experiences that I never thought children would be involved in, I thought it was something rare. Levin & Kilbourne (2009) clearly show how this is a national problem in society. It has also helped me see that this is something that can not be solved with one person or one group, but will involve a complete change in society. Levin & Kilbourne (2009) also address that it is not something we should blame parents for. I can honestly say that I have mentally placed blame on parents for any behaviors I have observed that are due to sexualized messages, however after reading this article I see that we can not place the blame on parents nor can we expect parents to do it on their own without the support from society.
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
Jo,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you that even though I consider the family greatly influenced their children, we also have to consider that children spends most of their time outside of their homes. Family cannot do it alone. they need the cooperation and the support of the whole community or the society in guiding and educating our children, leading them to the right path.
Thank you for being so honest about your views on parents and for sharing your ideas on things we can do to change the course of life and future of our children.
Jo, I think this weeks blog topic has made as difference in the way early educators think about sexualization in the early childhood field. And you are absolutely correct; the home plays a valuable part in the way children are introduced to the world, but with collaboration with early education programs and families, it could help the transitional understanding in a much better approach.
ReplyDeleteJo Ann: I really appreciated some of the thoughts that were presented in the article So Sexy So Soon. In the article, the authors revealed that sexuality is to be celebrated because we all are sexual beings; however, Levin & Kilbourne determined that the sexualization of childhood is not normal. In fact, the sexualization of childhood has dangerous consequences for young children because it limits children opportunities to develop into a whole child; children are also less likely to value and respect themselves and others (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009).The sexualization of childhood also produces serious consequences for young children as they age; girls develop eating disorders and the objectification of women elevates among boys and girls.
ReplyDeleteJo,
ReplyDeleteThis week's blog topic really made me realize that children need positive guidance from all areas of life. Sometimes many parents are not providing a positive influence when it comes to what their children watch on television or listen to on the radio. Many times the television is used as a babysitter and as long as the child is quiet, the parent is happy. Children will always replay what they have been exposed to. Therefore when educators are hear or see negative role playing it is very important that we speak up so that we can be a positive influence for them. I remember playing outside and enjoying riding my bike. Many children do not have the chance to just enjoy the simple things in life. Great Post!
Jo,
ReplyDeleteI feel for your niece. She is fortunate to have an aunt who is aware of the plight she faces and can impact her self image by presenting positive messages of fashion and sexuality. This week's source was daunting and scary as a mother of a six-grade girl. I pay close attention to the messages she receives, but was startled by some of the statistics in the article.