Sexualisation of young children

1. 62

   richtwfposted 13 years ago

   Do you think young children/adolescents are being sexualised inappropriately at a very young age?
   
   If you agree then why do you think it's happening? If whoever is doing it and forcing young children and teenagers to grow up quickly in a sexual nature - Isn't this depriving them of their right to childhood innocence?

   replyreport
   1. 0

      china manposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      This is the easiest question yet, even easier than the beach on the head thread.
      
      Kids are becoming 'sexualised' by the pressures of commerce, in many ways; selling and promoting sexy clothes younger and younger, the use of sexual attraction in advertising as an essential that everyone must have including makeup.  Add to this the removal of parent power by govenments who hand out money for single young mothers, the numbers of parents openly taking drugs and lacking in parental skills.  Then of course there is the issue of the moralising christians and the children who reject their hypocrisy and form their own society.

      replyreport
   2. 73

      breathe2travelposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I wish movies would return to beginning and ending portrayals of intimacy with a closing door.  somethings we don't need to be inundated with... especially young eyes whose souls are not ready for the weight/consequences of giving such intimate, personal milestones away.
      
      The VMA is an example of taking things unneccesarily in the wrong direction... I did not watch it, have only read reviews on yahoo, and was surprised at how far they've gone.
      
      Much is to be said about this topic.
      
      To answer your first question - yes.  The second -- if all the ocean were ink, and land our page... we still would not have adequate space to expound...

      replyreport
2. 60

   paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

   Courtesy of the internet; children of all ages now routinely visit whore houses, bars, casinos, and drug dealers.

   replyreport
3. 79

   mega1posted 13 years ago

   It was like that when I was a kid, too.  It is part of a capitalist world that everything is fodder for the money machine. Parents even dress their kids to look like little fashionista models. But also I think kids want to grow up faster and sexualizing themselves is one way they try to seem older - why? because childhood isn't really all that great - the competitions parents encourage and the heavy scheduling of kids' lives makes them feel very restricted, very institutionalized and not free.  We need to see that our kids get plenty of free, unstructured, play time so they can really explore their worlds and express themselves - be who they really are instead of who their parents think they should be.  People also have the idea that sexually beautiful is THE true beauty - without realizing that innocence is really the most beautiful.  I cannot remember a time when I was truly innocent - literally. 
   
   So this all contributes to the sickness of our society in general and our warped concepts of how life should be lived.  When these kids who have been so twisted by the money world grow up they feel an emptiness, they feel they have missed something -they've missed their childhood, it just never happened.

   replyreport
4. 86

   Benjimesterposted 13 years ago

   Not only that but a lot of research is suggesting that many of the artificial chemicals meant to speed crop and cattle growth are also causing children to start growing up at an earlier age as well.  So not only are kids encouraged toward sexualization at an earlier age, they're also growing up physically earlier.  It's pretty sad overall.

   replyreport
   1. 61

      qeylerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Chickens are fed estrogen to make them grow faster, egg to pot in 6 weeks. This estrogen has a very serious impact.  (this is not speculation). Further it is part of the dumbing down process. Where kids who used to put their energy into the school play or science project or spelling bee or extra credit reports are having hook ups.  With all respect; sex is an easy time waster.  Hence, in ancient days, that energy was channeled into other pursuits.

      replyreport
5. 60

   SomewayOuttaHereposted 13 years ago

   ...hmmmm....have to reply to this one.  Sexualization of children includes abuse and victimization.
   
   "In an age when childhood sexual abuse and victimization is increasingly on our minds, it is important for parents (and other caretakers) to understand what is "normal" sexual development and behavior in children and teenagers, and which behaviors might signal that a child is a victim of sexual abuse, or acting in a sexually aggressive manner towards others."
   
   I've just returned from dealing with the reality of my granddaughter being the victim of her (former) step-father.  This is going to be a long term issue for her and the entire family.  My immediate thoughts go to this issue on Sexualization of young children.  It's not just media etc. - there is alot of abuse going on for children/youth.  And now, we have to somehow figure out how to 'reverse or correct' the damage...(and with professional help).....I'm so torn today....hmmmm....maybe I should hop on over to the 'death penalty' thread and make a comment...but I'll resist today.

   replyreport
   1. 73

      breathe2travelposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I am saddened to read about your granddaughter.  This just happened recently to a dear friend.  I know far too many people who have been abused.  My parents allowed a blind man to live with us for a short period.  During that time he molested me, my brother, and one of my sisters.  I did not know what it was at the time.  We lived in a three-story home -- he chose the hidden play areas to "read braille" to me... I did not realize until I was an adult what he had done to me.  I am sickened at the thought of him touching any of us. 
      
      I hope your granddaughter realizes it is not her fault, and that she receives soul healing.

      replyreport
6. 61

   wildorangeflowerposted 13 years ago

   we lived in an "information age" era where the parents work more outside the homes, and living the youth to be with their peers as role models. Technology makes life easier but it has consequences, it tries to dehumanize children, making a shift in the roles portrayed at home, There are many challenges as society develops, it is inevitable,

   replyreport
7. 70

   Cagsilposted 13 years ago

   Ignorant and less mindful parents are not helping.

   replyreport
8. 79

   mega1posted 13 years ago

   It's just one of the many things that we have to "call it like we see it" and be vigilant and vocal.  If you have a friend or relative who is allowing or encouraging their child to act out sexually in dress and behavior - it's time to say something - gently - reminding them that childhood is something precious we only get one chance at - why take it away?  Also reminding ourselves and others that they need some time away from school, sports, competitive and demanding classes - there are not enough hours in any life for it to be taken away from us by overly competitive and structured parents!
   
   Some parents do seem to think that "freedom" means that you can do anything you want with your kids and to them - they resent anyone "telling them what to do" and won't hear you - but their kids will.  It's good to know someone is sticking up for you even if your parents don't know any better.  The best way we make positive good change is by modeling it ourselves.

   replyreport
   1. 61

      qeylerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Back in the Pliestocine you got to be a kid until you were 18 (21 in some places).  Mommy & Daddy looked after you and set your agenda and bought your clothes, and set your curfew.
      
      And if you lived at home, it continued until you left.
      
      You went to school and played on the team, went to all kinds of meetings, had friends, did kid things, and were not allowed to date.  Never thought of it.  The closest you came was after school at the soda shop with permission from your parents and then you had to be home at a particular time.

      replyreport