The Sexualization of Early Childhood

 The subject of sexualization of early childhood is a reality that we must deal with in today’s society. Children are learning about sexualization but do not understand it at this young age. Girls learn at a very early age that they are judged by the way they look, and boys are taught to judge girls by how close they come to a fake,” impossible, and shallow ideal “(Levin, & Kilbourne, 2009 pg.2). Sexualizing girls is nothing new and happens all the time in the media, on television, and in the clothing industry. 

I have observed sexualization of children in many ways. Children have so much exposure to TV, internet, advertisement and marketing that show sexualization. Children come to school singing lyrics that contain inappropriate sexual language. They are exposed to these songs in their home environments, outside in their communities, on television, and from their peers. In music videos, girls shake their body's and move in provocative ways because they think that it is cute, acceptable and what everyone wants to see. Beauty pageants feature young toddlers and preschoolers with excess makeup, extreme fashions which make them visualize how they are supposed to look. The way children, especially girls, are being presented in the media is becoming an issue because of all the new TV shows such as “Toddlers and Tiaras.” The way they are portrayed in these shows plays a part in shaping their identity. 

The vast amount of sexualization shown in the media can stunt the development of children during a time in which they should be having fun rather than focusing on the way they look and trying to grow up. The sexualization of girls in the media can lead to lower self-esteem; physical and mental health disorders, including depression and eating disorders; and a distorted body image, because girls don’t feel that they can achieve the physical beauty they see in images around them (Levin, & Kilbourne, 2009). Everyone at all levels must work to create an environment that is supportive of children's healthy gender and sexual development. To stop sexualization, we must enact public policies that reduce the sexualization of children including limiting the power that corporations have to market sex to children without any consequences. As teachers, when children emulate sexualized behavior we should identify and stop the children’s sexualized behavior immediately in the classroom. The language we use should be direct, but it should not shame the children.

My awareness of sexualization has been significantly enhanced.  I learned a lot about the role that the different types of media play regarding the sexualization of children. We do not think about how much harm things such as music videos, or video games that portray children negative light can affect their gender and healthy development. 

                                        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

 Pictures retrieved October 8, 20156 from
https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+sexualization&tbm

                                   

Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

  

Children learn about racial stereotypes early and  those biases can have damaging consequences. When children become aware of bias against their race or ethnic group   it may have a profound effect on how they react to everyday situations.Racism is prevalent today’s society. I am not personally experiencing it in my interactions with others, but indirectly ,I am affected with all of the different incidents involving African American 's  in today's society. Racism is showing its face in a variety of ways.

 As an early childhood educator, I try my hardest not to let things that may impact me affect my daily interactions with the children.  According to the Early Childhood Education Assembly (ECEA), "It is our duty and responsibility to educate children, who hold the key to the future, so that this kind of hatred and racism is no longer a possibility”( Statement about the Role of Early Childhood Education and Racism. n.d.). If racism shows its ugly face in the classroom environment, I will channel any negativity or emotional feeling into a positive teachable moment for children. Teachable moments are times when something unexpected occurs and the teacher helps to guide the unexpected occurrence into a  positive learning experience.

Many diverse families come into our programs. We do not agree or believe in the all the same things or do things the same way. Don't let other  people's perception of who you are impact or effect who you are as a teacher. One of our greatest attributes as teachers is the ability to set aside our biases and ensure that we are doing everything possible to make sure that children will be successful in the future.

                                       
                                                         References

                     

Statement about the Role of Early Childhood Education and Racism. (n.d.). Retrieved October 01, 2016, from http://www.ncte.org/positions/statements/early-child-educ-racism