Misinforming children causes developmental issues later in life
With shows like “Toddlers and Tiaras” becoming increasingly popular, it is no shock that the sexualization of young girls has become ingrained in American culture. Even more concerning, pop culture has become lethal for young girls with fragile self-esteems.
Many problems are associated with adolescent girls receiving the media’s endless information, including eating disorders, low self-esteem and depression. These problems are directly connected to this growing trend of sexualizing girls, according to the American Psychological Association.
Objectifying women in media damages young girls’ confidence and security with their bodies, creating pervasive image problems that more than half of American girls over the age of 11 admit to. Equally frightening, research suggests the media’s portrayal of women and girls is likely to have negative consequences on their ability to develop a healthy sexual image. Constantly seeing women portrayed as objects rather than human beings, girls are at risk for becoming misinformed about how to respect themselves.
These messages have to end, as girls are being taught from a young age that they aren’t satisfactory unless they fit a certain mold of beauty and sexuality. It is crucial that media re-evaluate the messages sent to children and alter their images to fit a more positive and realistic portrayal of women. This would reduce developmental problems so many American girls face.