Stop early sexualisation of children!
It seems that children are losing their childhood years and innocence too quickly because of the issue with “exposing children to inappropriate sexualized imagery on a bid to sell products and make profit“. This exposure if referred to as the sexualisation of children and as parents, we want to be able to provide a safe and appropriate environment for our children. We want them to “maturing physically, psychologically and sexually at age appropriate stages.”
Children should be able to develop at their own pace without the pressure and influence of mass media. Everywhere we turn, we see sexual music video clips, inappropriate slogans on clothing, and inappropriate mobile phone wallpapers for sale in “tween” magazines, just to name a few.
As a mother of five children, I am always concerned about what my children are being exposed to. I know that I cannot wrap them in cotton wool but I do want them to enjoy their childhood years without having to be exposed to advertisements that encourage young girls to be a “sexy babe” or music video clips with half-naked girls dancing provocatively or mobile phone wallpaper that says “I’m a flirt but your boyfriend loves it!” I was shocked and surprised to hear my DD12 describe something as “sexy”, a regular expression of Paris Hilton, who is being portrayed as an idol all girls look up to and want to be!
It can be overwhelming and we all may feel as though there is nothing we, as parents, can do…
BUT NOW WE CAN!!
Kids Free 2B Kids and Young Media Australia are committed to children developing to their full potential - without exposure to sexualized imagery before they are developmentally ready to process it.
Quoted from the Kids Free 2B Kids website:
“Kids Free 2B Kids believes that urgent Government action is required concerning:
* Sexualised imagery on billboards
* Sexualised Music Video Clips in children’s viewing hours.
* Content in Young Girls Magazines which are NOT regulated.
* Sexualised merchandise - clothing, toys etc… marketed to children and young teens.
* Pornographic Magazines available at children’s eye levels in newsagents, petrol stations, 7/11’s, corner stores etc…
* Sexualised advertising on radio.
* Inappropriate TV programming/advertising in children’s viewing hours
* Easy access to Pornography on the internet
* Self-Regulation of the Advertising Industry. The Advertising Industry regulates itself and has a voluntary code of ethics. It is a reactive system and will only act if there are complaints from the public. As most people do not know how or where to complain it effectively means that the Advertising standards Board does NOT reflect prevailing community standards.”
You can help by sending your own submission to the Senate Enquiry. The deadline is 18 April, 2008.
We ALL have a responsibility to protect the children. Do it now!
On March 19th, 2008 at 12:04 am Jenn Said:
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. I have less than half the children you do, but seeing as how one of my two kidlets is a girl, I am very concerned with how sexual children these days are required to be if they want to fit in.
On March 19th, 2008 at 2:49 am Mrs. Mecomber Said:
RIGHT ON! Time for us parents to push back! Great post.
On March 20th, 2008 at 12:03 am Holly Said:
I’m not a parent yet, but I have a niece who is 7 and asking why she can’t dress like the girls on TV. It’s sad what the media does to kids.
On May 17th, 2008 at 5:05 am Loretta Said:
I sympathize with anyone that has to shop in the little girls clothing section, any time I go shopping for my nieces I am horrified at the things they sell for little girls!