The Sexualization of Early Childhood

My thought regarding the topic of the sexualization of early childhood is it is unfortunate that this is a topic that has to be addressed so early in a young person life. However I view it as a necessary evil. One of the points made in the article is that children have always been curious regarding sex and sexuality early and though it is subject that many of us are uncomfortable discussing it crucial to young children as parents and teacher to answer the question honestly and age appropriately (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009). Children today are persistent in obtaining response to their curiosity with that in mind that they will get answers to their question but it may be more information than they need at their age or the wrong information.  I feel that we should not shy away from responding to their questions to control how much information they are exposed to at one time or another.

One of the first examples that come to mind was a four year reenacting one Michael Jackson videos. Amazing enough the child never missed a beat and was on point when it was time to grab or hold on to his private area as commonly done by Michael in his videos and dance routines. The next example took place in an early childhood environment when a little girl and boy about five years old were having a discussion as little kids do. Then the little girl told the little boy he was gay. The little boy not understanding what the little girl was saying to him asked his mother as soon as she picked him up what was gay. I could see the discomfort on her face however her response was we will discuss we get home. The next day the parent met with the director of center regarding the incident. The final example that further illustrates the exposure of young children to a highly sexualized environment is some of the dance moves that little girls are required to do in dance class. I recalled my daughter feeling uncomfortable regarding a dance move that was somewhat I would say explicit in a sexual manner. Apart of her concern was I have stress respect for yourself in everything you do. We watch video together and I pointed out things with her on the video that I feel are not appropriate. Feeling that it was inappropriate she was not comfort doing that move in the dance routine. Long story short she participate in the routine in a child friendly way that was respectful to her after careful discussion.

The implication this may have on children’s healthy development is children may be confuse by what is acceptable and unacceptable in terms of sexualization. As an early childhood professional it is important to address children concerns and question regarding sex. However I strongly feel that this should be a team effort with the parents because if the teacher and the parent are on different accords regarding what is social acceptable among children with concerns of sexualization; the final outcome is could lead to deviant behavior for the child or children as they grow into adulthood. Open and honesty is the most important factor anyone can offer a child or children regarding this topic and avoid making children feel like this something that is nasty and bad. Teach them to be proud and respectful of every aspect of their body and their nothing inappropriate about their bodies, but inappropriate things that can be done to their bodies.

This week I realize the need to discuss good touches and bad touches with children early. Prior to explore the topic this week I would not have considered discussing this topic with an early childhood age child. I feel that in order to adequately inform children on sexualization this is an area that should be included. Unfortunately children are being exposed to sexual explicit material regardless of how we attempt to keep it away from them. With that thought in mind we must age appropriately inform them on of what is consider good touches and bad touches so that they want become a victim of a pedophile. Children are very innocent and though their behavior may imply sexualization many of them are not aware of what their behavior implies. Therefore as we address their curiosity with regard to the different version of sexualization we have also inform them of the good and bad touches reduce their probability of becoming a victim.

Reference:

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