The Sexualization of Early Childhood

While reading the Levin and Kilbourne (2009) article, I was shocked by the statements that they have heard children saying. I had not realized the severity of how early childhood had become so sexualized, but after reading the article I am reminded of how our society is portrayed this way. A couple of years ago I heard a kindergarten student singing sexualized lyrics to a song she had heard on the radio. It dawned on me then that if an adult listens to the radio with their children, they are going to hear these adult and sexualized songs as well. While children may not understand what they’re saying or listening to, it could spark their curiosity to learn more and eventually they could associate those sexualized words to success or privilege (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009).

I believe that music, movies, and clothing expose children to a highly sexualized environment. The story I mentioned illustrates how music can expose children, but recently I found that children’s movies can do this too. I put on the movie Happy Feet with my students the other day and turned it off after a couple of minutes because the first scene was very sexualized. They were singing the song “Kiss” and dancing promiscuously; I was so surprised because it’s a children’s movie! I casually said there was another movie I wanted them to watch, so I could turn it off without sparking their interest, and none of them seemed to notice. Clothing can also be sexualized based on the type or the print displayed.

With each of these examples, there are implications they could have on healthy development. Levin and Kilbourne (2009) discuss how a child learning about sexuality is natural, but the problem lies with what is associated with sexuality and the lessons that children perceive from it. Girls may begin to think that they need to look and act a certain way in order to gain attention, whereas boys will not learn how to have “affectionate and caring relationships” because of the obvious or subliminal messaging in songs, movies, and clothing (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 3). To best respond to these negative messages I think I need to encourage children to demonstrate and treat others with respect. For girls, I believe it’s important to show them they are strong and confident, without the need for a male’s approval. Boys need to understand how to respect women so they do not “become men who are unsatisfying and sometimes even dangerous partners for women” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 5). Other than that, I’m not sure how else to approach or combat this issue, because it is evident in so many forms of society and media.

My awareness of the sexualization of early childhood has been modified by this topic because I was unaware of its severity. I knew it was present in society, especially after the experiences I’ve had with my students in the classroom, but I did not know how largely early childhood was sexualized. After reading this article and discussing it I think the best thing I can do as an educator is to shift the views of sexualization more positively rather than the negative/stereotypical light they shed now. For example, demonstrating to children that all people regardless of gender should be respected and valued.

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