Ask Dr. Sharon

Normalization of Sexual Harm

Watch this video to learn how sexual images in our media can have negative effects on our children.

Key Points

Sexually explicit imagery can be seen in toys, clothing, music, movies, videos, video games, advertising, TV, and even in everyday communication.
Children and teens are beginning to identify with and define themselves by derogatory terms that in the past were reserved for victims and perpetrators of sexual exploitation through prostitution.
There is nothing glamorous or romantic about the exploitive or derogatory use of sex. Selling a child or teen through prostitution is a traumatic, life-altering experience for the victim that often causes substance abuse, mental health impact, severe physical violence, sexually transmitted diseases, and sometimes death.
When potentially harmful materials become normal in our society, it’s easy for children or adults to fail to recognize the potential threat.

Outside Resources

Publications

quote The more often a person is exposed to potentially harmful materials, the more normal it seems and the more desensitized the person becomes. quote

Parent Action Steps

Be aware of, not overwhelmed by, the volume of harmful sexual material.
Recognize the risk of harmful or exploitive sexual images and languages.
Talk to your kids about how “normal” some of the sexually exploitive images and language have become.
Ask your kids about what those images and language mean to them.
Listen to your children, but don’t be afraid to set appropriate limits.
Empower them to take control of their own buying power.
Set limits about what you will and will not allow your children to see, listen to, or buy.
Realize that kids need and want adult guidance – parents' values and opinions matter in the choices their children ultimately make.

Was this information useful?

Questions? Send us an e-mail.