Australian Psychology Society This browser is not supported. Please upgrade your browser.

Sexualisation of girls

Key points

  • The values implicit in sexualised images are that physical appearance and beauty are intrinsic to self-esteem and social worth, and that sexual attractiveness is a part of childhood experience.
  • In addition to the sexualisation of children via the media, broader socio-cultural influences also have a sexualising effect.
  • These influences include products that promote images of sexy, sexualised people to children, such as clothing, make-up, and dolls. Children's interpersonal relationships with parents, teachers and peers can also support and promote sexualising messages.
  • Research has shown that the exploitation of children, particularly girls, as sexual objects has a detrimental effect on adolescent development, increasing the risk of depression, eating disorders and low self-esteem.
  • The unrealistic depiction of children in a sexualised manner is not only harmful to girls and women themselves, but has wider consequences in the community.

Related pages

Search

Submit