Sexualization of children

Former Member

Hello I need to know what sexualization of children can do to children?

Former Member

Hi @Sholay09 hope you’re doing ok. Will you elaborate a bit on what you mean please, so can make sure the question is understood and answered appropriately 🤗

Former Member

Lucy307 wrote: »

Hi @Sholay09 hope you’re doing ok. Will you elaborate a bit on what you mean please, so can make sure the question is understood and answered appropriately 🤗

What I mean is that what are the physical and psychological effects of the sexualization of children?

Former Member

Hi @Sholay09

The psychological effects of sexualization of children can range depending on the type of sexualisation. Anxiety disorders are quite common in children after being sexualised such as PTSD. Is there a reason you would like to know the effects of sexualisation of children?

Former Member

daisyella12 wrote: »

Hi @Sholay09

The psychological effects of sexualization of children can range depending on the type of sexualisation. Anxiety disorders are quite common in children after being sexualised such as PTSD. Is there a reason you would like to know the effects of sexualisation of children?

It is because I am just curious that is all.

Former Member

Sholay09 wrote: »

daisyella12 wrote: »

Hi @Sholay09

The psychological effects of sexualization of children can range depending on the type of sexualisation. Anxiety disorders are quite common in children after being sexualised such as PTSD. Is there a reason you would like to know the effects of sexualisation of children?

It is because I am just curious that is all.

That's okay, you ask as many questions as you wish, so no worries 👍:)!

AislingDM

Really important question to consider @Sholay09 , firstly so we can prevent abuse and secondly so that we can support anyone who has been victimised xx I know there have been some answers about the psychological impact, which is extremely significant. I just thought I'd mention that as the child/young person continues to grow up their relationship to their sexuality can be impacted by sexualisation. I won't go into too much detail here as it would certainly require a trigger warning, but linked is an article which explains how this might affect children.

https://incacs.org/prevention/hyper-sexualization-and-hypo-sexualization-in-abused-youth/

Aoife

There have been some great responses from others since you posted this last week @Sholay09.

The article that @AislingDM shared has a lot of information about the physical and psychological effects of the sexualization of children. I also found some information in an article from a Psychiatrist that talks about the impact on children of sexualization, it's mainly focuses on the impact of sexualization in the media. I've quoted some bits of this article in the spoiler below.

*Trigger warning contains information about the effects of sexualization*

“There is growing evidence that premature exposure to adult sexual images and values has a negative impact on the psychological development of children, particularly on self-esteem, body image and understanding of sexuality and relationships,” said Professor Newman.

“Exposure to sexualising messages contributes to girls defining their self-worth and popularity in terms of sexual attractiveness, with negative impact on self-esteem. Excessive focus on appearance and a narrow definition of attractiveness has been found to contribute to the development of abnormal eating behaviours and lack of positive body image. Negative self-image is associated with depression, impaired sexual development in adolescence and poor self-protective behaviours in adolescent relationships,”

There is a significant psychological impact on children who have been sexualized. What are your thoughts on this?

What were your reasons for starting this discussion? Is this an area you're looking for support with yourself?