Children being exposed to sexual content at younger ages may lead to them engaging in sexual activity at earlier ages and being at risk for certain issues related to early sex (e.g. teen pregnancy, STDs). Peer pressure can contribute to this kind of behavior as well. Children may not believe that they are worthy of others’ attention if they are not behaving in certain ways or wearing certain clothing. It was difficult to read the book excerpt from ‘so sexy so soon’ as it made the many different ways our culture is sexualised so apparent. I feel that I have become desensitized to this sexualization, so to read about the different effects of it was shocking. After thinking about this it is obvious how much the culture around children has changed over the years. In movies, on television and even at toy stores children are bombarded with sexualised images. This could affect their self-identity development if they feel that they do not conform to the ‘perfect’ image of a boy or a girl. It is important for early childhood professionals to be aware of the exposure that the students have to these images to be able to combat it. We need to teach boys that they do not have to be strong and full of muscle and we have to show girls that they are more than just an object. Studying this topic has definitely increased my awareness of this issue so much so that I no longer ignore the impact it can have.
Hello Emily
ReplyDeleteI too was shocked by the contents in the article. It saddens me that our children are being victimized by this exposure to this sexualization. It seems like it is just a big money maker for some. While the children are being impacted in an unhealthy manner. Like you stated, children’s self-identity is being affected in a negative manner. Girls and boys grow up attempting to fit in an image that is not realistic. People come in all shapes and sizes and not everyone will be muscle bound and a perfect image of a girl. I feel that a strong anti-bias program can help children value themselves and diverse others.
Hi Emily,
ReplyDeleteI really like your post. I think you really showed how sex is influencing our children's behavior as showed in the picture you displayed . As educators or parents you have to be the aware of what's in their environment or what they are hearing or seeing that can influence their behavior. We have to deposit the right stuff that they can manipulate that would change their behavior in a negative way. Great post!!!
Emily,
ReplyDeleteThe picture you posted is a great example of how young girls today are overly sexualized. Many may see this as harmful and little girls playing dress up, however as we read in the article it can have a huge impact on the image a young girl has of themselves, other young girls or the way some adults view children. I remember as a young girl wanting to wear certain jewelry, nail polish and even a little lipstick as many young girls do. My father would not allow this it made it clear it was for older girls and I was not of age for it yet. I didn't understand then, but I do now. Young girls should be viewed as beautiful in their natural state and not only see beauty in being made up like the little girl in this photo.
In the article, “Facing the Screen Dilemma: Young children Technology and early educations states, “screen media have been targeting children with advertising for a host of products including food, toys, clothing, accessories, and more. With the weakening of federal regulations in the 1980s and the proliferation of media produced for kids, marketing to children has increased exponentially (para. 4)This saddens me to believe parents are listening to the media tell them how and what their child should do and be as a person. Children are exposed s early and will have consequences in the future if parents and educators do not start communication with children now and teach them the right concepts of biases and stereotyping. I am worried about their future.
ReplyDeleteReference
Facing the Screen Dilemma: Young children Technology and early education
http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/sites/default/files/facingthescreendilemma.pdf
Emily,
ReplyDeleteThis picture is a great example of how girls mostly are over sexualized at a young age. I meant to share on my blog an example of one of my students who had a photo shoot and had on dark lipstick in the picture which made her look way more older than what she actually is. Our course reading stated that these types of messages allow sexual predators to think that these young girls are sexual creatures.
Emily,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post and the picture that you included made you post that much more meaningful. It is so important to think about the variety of influential material that children are being exposed to. There is so much pressure, especially for girls, to look a certain way and this is starting at a much younger age than ever before. As educators it is very important that we address these issues and teach children to learn to value and respect themselves and others.