The over-sexualization of girls in the media and its frightening consequences

From the time a young girl is aware of her gender, she has been bombarded by a variety of mixed messages in the media about her worth as a person. From television shows such as, ”Toddlers and Tiaras,” and ads for clothing stores such as Victoria’s Secret, young girls are influenced by what they see in popular media.

As early as 2007 the American Psychological Association reported that the over-sexualization of young women has frightening consequences for healthy development. In fact, the over-sexualization of women has been correlated with the three most common problems in girls and women: eating disorders, low self-esteem, and depression.

But what are they really seeing? And how does that influence translate into how young girls, who are on the cusp of womanhood, feel about themselves? Why are young people so desensitized to these kinds of destructive influences?

First, we must understand what motivates these images.  It is based purely on driving commerce for products and services. Using women and sexuality to sell products is how Madison Avenue and the advertising industry drive sales and purchases. Research and focus groups with target audiences indicate that it is the fantasy and quick lapse of reality that drive men to purchase products featuring women. With successful results, ad agencies continually use these images on television, magazines, online, film and in most popular culture depictions. Sex sells, quite simply.

So what can we as educators and parents do to combat this disturbing trend?

Do you feel powerless over these kinds of practices?

For children, the education and consciousness of forming a healthy self-image starts in infancy. Talking to your toddler about valuing relationships and being a good friend to respecting yourself and others is only the start of this development. Age-appropriate curriculum must be included in schools, and at  home where healthy messages can be imparted, discussed and reinforced.

Both mothers and fathers should concentrate on developing the whole person with their sons and daughters. People are more than just their looks. Yet, young adults place high value on a person’s looks. As parents, it is our job to provide a balance to this perceived reality. Young people are not yet psychologically mature to understand any differently. It is our job as parents to make sure they do.

Fathers can play a very important role in their daughter’s development. Dads can involve their daughters in typical male activities such as DIY projects or sports, or by taking them to their work place,to expose them to a different world. Of course, Moms can do this as well, but having a father actively support a girl’s cognitive and emotional development helps them understand that their worth is not only tied to their appearance. Dads  and Moms can talk to their sons about having a healthy respect for women and not objectifying them as sex objects.  It would be very helpful if this discussion included how desensitized we have become to mass media’s objectification of girls.

Both parents can be part of the solution by taking a stand against oversexualization. Mothers should not talk badly about their own bodies or make disparaging remarks about other women or their daughters.  Young girls internalize these comments. Use your own voice to empower children by discussing views and encourage dialog on the subject (early on) before adult advice is ignored in the teen years.

Empower your children to help change these practices. Encourage your son or daughter to join student-run organizations such as SPARK, a girl-fueled activist movement that demands an end to the sexualization of women and girls in media. SPARK collaborates with hundreds of girls 13-22 and more than 60 national organizations to reject the commodified, sexualized images of girls in media and support the development of girls’ healthy sexuality and self-esteem.

And these groups are working to change things. Currently, SPARK is involved with a petition for coaches to educate athletes about the definition of a sexual assault – all in the wake of the Steubenville, OH rape case. Educators can introduce curricula and discussion on this topic and invite commentary to correct negative and erroneous information.  We must all take a stand to change.

And in the final analysis, much of the effort around changing these unhealthy practices starts with your own voice. Talk to your children about these topics and make sure you take the time early and often.

But mostly, having healthy body images and positive depictions of women starts with you, the parent. To paraphrase a Gandhi phrase, “Become the change you want to be.”

Dr. Annie Abram PhD, LCSW, Certified Psychoanalyst. 83 East Avenue, Norwalk, Tel (203) 299-0478  Web: http://www.drannabram.com/