{"id":5495,"date":"2012-12-14T13:59:49","date_gmt":"2012-12-14T18:59:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ccpa.scottbuckingham.ca\/blog\/?p=2651"},"modified":"2012-12-14T13:59:49","modified_gmt":"2012-12-14T18:59:49","slug":"sexualization-of-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ccpa-accp.ca\/fr\/sexualization-of-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Sexualization of Children"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Our society has become a cesspool of sexualization and the minimization of sexualization. The aim of sexualization is typically the commercialization of product or trade.\u00a0 Sexualization goes beyond the borders of Hollywood and Bollywood.\u00a0 Sexualization ensues the very fabric of our human collective consciousness.\u00a0 It has become acceptable to see a young girl or boy dressed in unacceptable clothing.\u00a0 A societal challenge occurs when we try to define acceptable verses unacceptable.\u00a0 What is appropriate clothing verses inappropriate?\u00a0 Who do we choose to define what sexualization is and is not?\u00a0 Who do we appoint to mandate such a form of appropriateness?\u00a0 Who do we appoint the guardian of our children? Finally, is sexualization an issue or are we trying to fuel a fire that has no kindling?<\/p>\n

SEXUALIZATION DEFINED <\/strong><\/p>\n

Defining a healthy form of sexualization verses an unhealthy form of sexualization is a difficult challenge.\u00a0 \u201cThere are several components to sexualization, and these set it apart from healthy sexuality. (Negative) Sexualization occurs when\u00a0<\/p>\n

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  1. a person\u2019s value comes only from his or her sexual appeal or behavior, to the exclusion of other characteristics;<\/li>\n
  2. a person is held to a standard that equates physical attractiveness (narrowly defined) with being sexy;<\/li>\n
  3. a person is sexually objectified \u2014 that is, made into a thing for others\u2019 sexual use, rather than seen as a person with the capacity for independent action and decision making; and\/or<\/li>\n
  4. sexuality is inappropriately imposed upon a person.\u201d (APA, 2012, Online)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What is a healthy form of sexualization?\u00a0 Is there such a form?\u00a0 Is all sexualization inappropriate and unbecoming of our humanity?\u00a0 When we speak of a healthy sexualization, we are speaking of the awareness and clarification of one\u2019s sex and sexuality.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt can be hard to acknowledge that all of us, even children, are sexual beings, have sexual feelings and are curious about sex and sexuality. Children\u2019s curiosity can lead to exploring their own and each other\u2019s body parts by looking and touching.\u201d (StopItNow, 2012, Online)<\/p>\n

    A child\u2019s personal development is a part of their sexualization.\u00a0 Learning who they are, why they think, do, and behave in particular ways is core to their development.\u00a0 A child\u2019s sexual development should be encouraged from a healthy perspective.\u00a0\u00a0 A child should never be made a symbol of an unhealthy perspective.\u00a0 Children should never be forced to engage in inappropriate sexual conduct.\u00a0 They should never be made to wear clothing that is risque or revealing of their youthful innocent.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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    SEXUAL BEHAVIORS <\/strong><\/p>\n

    To understand appropriate verses inappropriate sexualization.\u00a0 We need to understand appropriate verses inappropriate sexual behaviors.\u00a0 \u201c…There are sexual behaviors about which we should be concerned, (that) are worrisome, and should not be ignored or seen as child\u2019s play. Other sexual behaviors are more serious and may be dangerous to the child and others. …When a child engages in sexual behaviors, it can be difficult to decide when the behavior is natural and healthy, and when it may reflect a problem or disturbance. The normative behaviors of childhood and adolescence are of concern when they are extensive or suggest preoccupation, or involve others in ways that are not consensual. Sexual behaviors in children present a special concern when they appear as prominent features in a child\u2019s life, or when sexual play or behaviors are not welcomed by other children involved in the play. This is the point at which sexually harmful and aggressive behaviors most closely and clearly hinges.\u201d (Rich, 2012, Online)<\/p>\n

    There are age appropriate sexual behaviors. \u00a0For a child of\u00a0 0 to 6, normal sexual behaviors may include: <\/em><\/em><\/p>\n