Media and the Sexualization of Childhood [Paperback]

Media and the Sexualization of Childhoodexamines the on-going debates surrounding the prominence of sexual themes in childrens lives, from clothes and accessories, toys and games, to music, entertainment media, advertising, and new media platforms.

Parents, educators and politicians around the developed world have raised concerns about the effects all these experiences can have on the socialisation and psychological development of children and the extent to which the premature introduction of sexuality into their lives can place them at risk of unwanted attention. This book explores these issues using an evidence based approach that draws on research findings from around the world, representing the most comprehensive single account of the field.

The book will be invaluable to students studying topics surrounding children and the media and childhood studies, as well as students of communication, media, cultural studies, sociology, psychology and health science.

Preface  1. Is Childhood being Sexualized?  2. Fashion and Sexualization  3. Childrens Products and Sexualization  4. Magazines and Sexualization 5. Television and Sexualization 6. Music and Sexualization 7. Advertising and Sexualization 8. Pornography and Sexualization 9. Digital Media and Sexualization  Bibliography

The topic of Media and the Sexualization of Childhoodcries out for a measured, objective review of both the issues and the evidence in this emotive debate. In this thorough discussion of the ways in which different media  fashion, magazines, television, music, advertising, social media  offer sexual information  it is argued, prematurely - to children, Barrie Gunter provides such a review. With its hundreds of references, the book draws on specific evidence to set out both the nature of the problem, and the possible ways in which it can be addressed. - M?irlÃ"