The topic of sexualization of early childhood is disstressing to me. Sexualization has a negative impact on a young child's development which could have a life-long impact on developing compassionate relationships . Children have many influences which effect their identity of themselves and others including music, television, advertisements, toys, clothing, media, and dominant culture. Everywhere you look there are invert and overt messages about sex, being sexy, and looking sexy. Children are inundated with messages of sex at very early age . This will in turn have a negative impact on a young child's identity development (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009).
On many television shows and movies the characters are mostly thin, beautiful, and dressed in beautiful clothing. This message tells young children that they must look like and be like this to be accepted and happy. This is the wrong messages to send. Young children should be taught to respect and accept themselves and others for who they are not what they look like or wear.
If you were to walk down the aisle in a toy story full of dolls, they all have large breasts, small waists, and are skinny. These dolls all have makeup on and beautiful long hair. Again, this is a negative message that is sent to young children that they must look and dress a certain way to fit in.
Listening to the radio you will also hear about sexualization. It is everywhere. The DJ's talk about sex, cheating, being drunk, and other topics related to sex. The more that young children hear and see about sex will lead them to believe that their relationships are supposed to be like that too. And that is not the truth.
Walk down any aisle in a girls clothing section of a store, you will see short shirts, short skirts and dresses, low cut bathing suits for young children. It is sad to see that young children's clothing is promoting them to show off their bodies. Young children should not have the burden of worrying about whether they look "sexy" in their clothing.
To reduce the negative impact of sexualization on young children I would teach them to respect themselves for who they are. In the classroom I would only use specific materials and visuals which promote a healthy and positive identity development for the children. I would not have or use materials that promotes or encourages being sexy or masculine. I would encourage all children to try all activities. I would also provide specific activities that allow each child to explore similarities and differences (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010).
The ways in which my awareness has been influenced by studying this topic has reminded me about the importance of intentionally and authentically teaching children about stereotypes and biases. For children to grow up with a positive identity, teachers and families must teach children honestly and age appropriately. Young children need to be able to talk to trusting and supportive adults who will answer questions and clear up confusion (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009).
References
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved on June 14, 2013, from:
http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf
It is hard to believe we are at the conclusion of yet another course. This course has helped me gaining a deeper understanding of the strategies available for working diverse children. My most passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional and for the children and families for whom I work with is to provide a safe, secure, supportive learning community. 
