The Sexualization of Early Childhood

• What is your reaction to the ideas shared in this reading?

       I was amazed to see just how other felt about sexualization  among our early childhood children.  I started noticing little things in the media and certain movies my son was watching.

• In what ways have you observed the sexualization of early childhood in your own personal and professional experiences? What examples have you encountered in store advertisements, television, the Internet, other types of media, and/or other types of environments?

My three year old son like watching this movie called "Baby Bratz" and I did not like him watching it at first but my husband said it was a kids movie. My first impression was not to let him watch it but as a mother I gave in. The show was about little girls between the ages 2 and three dressing provocative wearing a diapers. They were children acting like grown up with adult hairdos and makeup. But along the movie they would portray baby needing a bottle or pacifier. I was glad my son viewed it as a child movie and not anything sexual but I do not know what lasting impact it may have on him later in life.

• How might these messages impact children and their healthy development? Consider the ways they might influence gender, and other related concerns.

It might make them think about sexuality before their time. These message are put in  front of them so they react to what they see. This show portrayed little children in sexual matters. I would never understand why we have pedophile seeking innocent children but I feel we should not parade  them as sexual beings for these predators.

• What can early childhood professional do to tackle this problem and reduce the negative effect that it has on young children?

Making the schools, parents and children more aware. Having lessons to teach children when things are inappropriate for their age. Helping the children to understand what it for children and what is for adults. But awareness will be the first step.