I recently came across these facts taken from a fact sheet titled “Marketing Sex to Children.” I guess I must be naive but I was appalled at how much sex children and teenagers are exposed to in the media. It is no wonder that so many teens are having sex themselves. They are practically bombarded with the message that it is not only fun but also appropriate.
So how much sex are teens actually being exposed to in the media?
- “In 2003, 83% of the episodes of the top 20 shows among teen viewers contained some sexual content, including 20% with sexual intercourse.”
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, a video game rated M, was the best selling game among teens in 2002. In the game players can simulate having sex with a prostitute and then killing her.
- The average music video contains 93 sexual situations per hour. This includes eleven scenes actually depicting intercourse or oral sex.
Is it really a big deal? Does watching sex affect teen’s behaviors and attitudes? According to recent studies YES!
- Television is a source of information about sex for more than half of teens.
- The more sexual content watched on television the more likely the teenager is to have sex.
- “Boys who watch violent sex scenes on television have less sympathy to victims of sexual violence.”
- Girls who watch 14 hours or more of rap music videos are more likely to engage in unsafe sex with multiple partners and get a STD.
What about advertising? Are advertisers marketing sex to children? The answer again is yes.
- R-rated movies and Mature-rated video games are often advertised during programs that children watch.
- Revealing clothing is marketed to tweens. Clothing like tight shirts, halter tops, and low riding pants even thongs bearing provocative messages like “Wink Wink” and “Eye Candy.” Although after parent’s protests Abercrombie and Fitch took the thongs of the shelf.
- Nickelodeon guides children towards MTV by featuring artists whose music and actions are inappropriate for young children in concerts and in Kids Choice Awards.
So what can I do as a parent?
- Monitor what your children are exposed to in the media. Know what television shows they are watching, the music they are listening, what they are doing on-line and the video games they are playing.
- Talk to them about what behavior is appropriate for them and how sexual images seen in the media are incorrect. Help them understand that sex comes with consequences like pregnancy and STD’s.
- Guide your child’s clothing choices and talk about why certain styles are immodest and should not be worn. Shop at stores where more modest clothing is sold and encourage buyers to purchase modest clothing.
- Let the media, television stations, clothing manufacturers, and movie companies know that you do not appreciate your child being targeted and request that shows contain less sex. After enough parents expressed outrage Abercrombie and Fitch stopped making thongs for 10 year olds.
You can help determine how much sex your child is exposed to in the media as well as shape their attitudes and beliefs about sex. It is all about communication and regulation.
See my related blogs:
Does Violence In Video Games Affect Children?
Sexual Song Lyrics and Early Sexual Activity Linked
Protecting Your Child From Pornography