Sexualistation of Young People

is the key to proving their manliness;
beliefs which can be exacerbated by a
lack of suitable role models. 128 During
the evidence hearing sessions Holly
Elsdon-Smithers from the White Ribbon
Campaign noted that one of the issues
that constantly arises in her work with
129
Conclusion
Young children have a natural, healthy
interest in their sexuality. But when
their developing sexuality is moulded
to fit adult sexual stereotypes, this can
compromise that healthy developmental
process. Children need time and space to
develop their own understanding, rather
than being presented with constructs
that they may not be emotionally or
cognitively ready to deal with.
Much of the evidence suggests that
instead of putting children and young
people in control of their sexuality, we
are in danger of isolating them from it
altogether. And by doing so, creating a
situation where young people are so
used to ‘packaging’ themselves for others’
consumption that they begin relating to
themselves in the third person, where
they become estranged from their own
bodies.
Wanting to be attractive, wanting to
be desired is natural. But it seems that
increasingly young women’s dominant
desire is to be desired. And this need is
often to the detriment of other hopes
and aspirations. This is illustrated by a
quote taken from a recent BBC
128 Evidence provided to the Review by Holly
Elsdon-Smithers, White Ribbon Campaign UK
(2010)
129 Quoted in Coy and Garner (in press)
boys in schools is the lack of healthy male
role models. She noted that the ‘social
scripts’ given to boys once again centre
around male dominance and control, with
boys feeling that they have to prove their
manliness by relating to girls either as
sexual objects or in an aggressive manner.
documentary on glamour modelling
where a young aspiring glamour
model said:
“It’s so nice to get your hair and your
make up done then for someone to
shout you look fantastic, you look
gorgeous. It’s a complete confidence
boost, an ego boost. I think everyone
should do it. Everyone should have
a glamour shoot done just for
themselves” 129
This young woman’s self esteem is
predicated on her appearance being
approved of by men and her confidence
boosted by fulfilling a superficial, aesthetic
ideal. Her point is that self-confidence
can be achieved by conforming to
certain beauty standards – and of
course such conformity is rewarded in
industries that trade on and commodify
female sexuality.
Children and young people are not only
being exposed to an increasing number
of hyper-sexualised images; they are also
being sold the idea that girls should look
‘hot’, regardless of their age. As such, they
are facing pressures that children in the
past simply didn’t have to face.
Sexualisation of Young People Review
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