Teen sexualisation and social media
While there are those who would argue that the Amanda Todd case is an isolated case, there are many who are raising concerns. Especially when at the very heart of this, is the reality that sex sells. Many of the messages that females get from advertising is that how we look, how we think is all linked to how others view us. It is not uncommon and has been happening for decades. However, what has not always been in the public debate is the influence this has on how people, particularly young vulnerable females view themselves. However, as Amanda Rishworth wrote on the 4th February 2010, “At the heart of the issue is the reality that sex sells” (http://www.alp.org.au/blogs/alp-blog/february-2010/sexualisation-and-objectification-of-young-women-a/).
Naomi Wolfe put it well recently, when she wrote “The media, as well as the girl's school, have stressed the issue of bullying in this story, but they must also address adult male cyber stalking and the influence of porn on teenage social interaction. The last two issues are often considered too "difficult" to address in the mainstream, even though their influences are very much ingrained in the mainstream.” (Amanda Todd's suicide and social media's sexualisation of youth culture by Naomi Wolfe).
Society needs to equip their teens with the skills to ensure they don’t fall victim to online messages and to be disconcerting regarding the information that they are accessing. The messages have always been around. It is just that now these messages are more accessible to a wider audience, an audience who are also accessing these messages at a younger age. This is not necessarily the fault of the young or the medium used. What is needed is a proactive approach rather than a reactive response.
Concern
over children being “sexualised” is fuelling parental social media activism as
well as a lot of discussion on line regarding bullying of. Especially when it
is combined with bullying, both on line and in the real world. This is has
gained even more discussion with the recent death of Canadian Amanda Todd. It
clearly highlights that girls are especially vulnerable to imagery sold by the
porn industry.
While there are those who would argue that the Amanda Todd case is an isolated case, there are many who are raising concerns. Especially when at the very heart of this, is the reality that sex sells. Many of the messages that females get from advertising is that how we look, how we think is all linked to how others view us. It is not uncommon and has been happening for decades. However, what has not always been in the public debate is the influence this has on how people, particularly young vulnerable females view themselves. However, as Amanda Rishworth wrote on the 4th February 2010, “At the heart of the issue is the reality that sex sells” (http://www.alp.org.au/blogs/alp-blog/february-2010/sexualisation-and-objectification-of-young-women-a/).
Naomi Wolfe put it well recently, when she wrote “The media, as well as the girl's school, have stressed the issue of bullying in this story, but they must also address adult male cyber stalking and the influence of porn on teenage social interaction. The last two issues are often considered too "difficult" to address in the mainstream, even though their influences are very much ingrained in the mainstream.” (Amanda Todd's suicide and social media's sexualisation of youth culture by Naomi Wolfe).
With
the increase use of the internet by
teens to communicate after hours, often on laptops and out of view, the on line
influences are being felt but not always seen by parents or family members
until it is too late. Many teens are using technology that was not around when
their parents were teens. Bullying itself, has been going on for generations,
both within schools and workplaces. However, with the advent of the internet
and mobile phones, the bullies are able to contact their victims’ around the
clock.
Society needs to equip their teens with the skills to ensure they don’t fall victim to online messages and to be disconcerting regarding the information that they are accessing. The messages have always been around. It is just that now these messages are more accessible to a wider audience, an audience who are also accessing these messages at a younger age. This is not necessarily the fault of the young or the medium used. What is needed is a proactive approach rather than a reactive response.
References:
Amanda
Todd's suicide and social media's sexualisation of youth culture by Naomi Wolfe
Friday 26 October 2012
Sexualisation
and Objectification of young women and girls by Amanda Rishworth posted
Thursday, 4 February 2010
“What
mothers say about a 9-year-old dressed like this” by Tory Maguire\
Sexualisation
of Girls - http://www.apa.org/pi/women/programs/girls/report.aspx
accessed 27 October)
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