The Sexualization of Early Childhood

After reading the book expert by Levin (2009), I was taken back by some of the examples, but not surprised. I think the topic of sexualization of early childhood or sexualization of childhood in general is a critical concern of all professionals and parents that must be addressed immediately.  Although I have not encountered this topic to the degree discussed by Levin (2009) personally, I have encountered traces of it. For example, one of my neighbor’s children who is age six dresses and acts as though she is a tween. If I didn’t know she was six years old, I it would be hard to believe. However, another neighbor’s child looks as if I were when I was six years old. This is mostly because her parents closely monitor what she is exposed to via media sources and encourages her to act like a little girl. A second example of the sexualization of early childhood is watching the show Toddler’s in Tiaras. I am almost disgusted every time that I see this show. These girls wear more make-up than I do as an adult and are dancing in a manner that most high schools would have seen as being unacceptable when I was in school.  Music, I am finding is a major concern for all parents and early childhood educators. Without thinking, parents will allow their children to listed to everything that is on the radio without realizing the worlds contained in the song and how receptive their child is too them.  Although the melody is fun and catchy, the messages contained in these songs are damaging to the healthy development of young children. I was in awe when I found out that one of my friends let her little one sing along and listen to Lady Gaga songs. My friend that it was cute that her and her daughter were both fans of the same artist and that brought them together.

As mentioned, all of these examples and the sexualization of early childhood will and does have negative implications on children.  In addition to damaging their self-esteem and self-image, this exposure can cause these children to be experienced to subject matter and peer pressure that they are not ready to handle. I think the best way to address this issue is threefold: Observation/Awareness, Responsibility, and control. Parents and early childhood professionals should observe and be aware of all of the content that children are exposed to. Parents and early childhood professionals should be responsible to take action to ensure that children are encouraged to be children. They should also be responsible in their actions and what they watch or listen to in front of children. Finally, parents and early childhood professionals should be willing to and able to control what children are exposed to.

In order to reach these objectives, it may be necessary for early childhood professionals to become advocates on the issue and offer training courses for parents and caregivers within the community. Every parent now a days wants to be the “cool” parent. However, the reality of this role must be understood and changed for the healthy development of children.

In closing, my awareness about the topic of sexualization of early childhood has been further supported and heightened this week. I was aware it was a concern, but now I know it is a critical issues.

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