1 EDRE 623: Coordination in Religious Education Assignment 1: Mini-Research Project Section A: Presentation – Power Point By: Viviene Gereige

2 Topic: Sexualisation of children and adolescents through advertising.

3 Significance of the issue A ‘Senate Inquiry into the sexualisation of children in the contemporary media environment’ was conducted by the Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and the Arts Department of the Senate in 2008 Click on the following hyperlink for the issues raised:

4 Significance of the issue The Australian Family Association – made a submission to the ‘Inquiry into Sexualisation of children in the contemporary media environment’ April- May2008. It included the following issues: Click on hyperlink below b162.pdf

5 Issues covered in the submission Click on hyperlink below for the complete document including details of each of the issues. b162.pdf Key issues covered in the submission: 4 Sexualisation- harms and sexualized behaviours 4 How young people are exposed to sexualized media and marketing- advertising, broadcast, online, magazines media, music and other marketing such as games and toys 4 Young people's experience of modern media and marketing as culture- complexity, factors contributing to the emergence of sexualisation and its role as a orchestrating cultural force maximizing marketing efficiency

6 Issues covered in the submission 4 The role of parents 4 Beneficiaries 4 Current regulatory failures 4 Reform approaches and other remedial measures 4 Relevant contextual child development issues- Adolescent development, timing of puberty, historical conceptions of childhood, sexual activity and other sexualized behaviours linked to increased risks of poor developmental outcomes and wellbeing indicators.

7 “ Our environment is full of sexualised images and messages from all types of media, including media produced for children and involving child models. Children can be influenced from a very young age. Adults may not realise the effects that these images are having on children. It is important for children to learn about sex and sexualisation critically. The problem is that they are learning about these things in a way that undermines the firm foundation needed for later sexual behaviour and relationships.” (YourKidsEd.com) Source:

8 Where are children and adolescents getting sexualised images from? Advertising Television Music videos Movies Magazines Billboards Internet sites

9 Sexualisation of children and young people in the media Department for Communities, Western Australia renaandyoungpeopleinthemedia.aspx renaandyoungpeopleinthemedia.aspx ‘National retailer advertises underpants for 8 to 10 year old girls - “I know what boys like”. Well known clothing manufacturer defends its bras for eight year olds. TOO SEXY TOO SOON Parents, professionals and government have become increasingly concerned about a media industry that exploits children and their wellbeing to sell products. The sexualisation of children can occur from an early age. If a child is exposed to sexually provocative media, whether it’s a music video on TV or a computer game, they can learn distorted concepts about themselves. Childhood is meant to be a time of playfulness, learning and fun. Children are entitled to develop at their own pace, without pressure from developmentally inappropriate marketing and advertising. Such material has the potential to have a negative impact on children’s self image and life expectations.

10 Research is beginning to show the corrosive physical, mental and emotional effects for children and young people. When children see sexually explicit dance routines or advertisements that model children on sexy adults, they can learn to link their appearance to being sexy and successful in the real world. Children imitate behaviours without understanding the potential implications. Dr Amanda Gordon, former President of the Australian Psychological Society says: “If the message is that you should be sexy and grown-up, instead of being a kid, then kids aren’t practising and learning how to be whole human beings that will actually make them into great adults”.’ renaandyoungpeopleinthemedia.aspx (Source and hyperlink)

11 Hanna Montana: Teenage Idol IS Teenage Idol Mylie Cyrus!!! Hanna Montana videos at Hanna Montana /

12 Hanna Montana IS Mylie Cyrus 4 Conflicting images of a teen idol. How will children interpret the conflicting images? 4 A teenager herself, Mylie Cyrus stars in Disney’s very successful children’s, show Hanna Montana (viewed in Australia). AND 4 She is a teen singer performing songs and producing music videos 4 She is also often photographed and her images are common in children’s magazines and on the internet.

13 Teen Idol Hanna Montana IS Teen Idol Mylie Cyrus!!! Images/photos in magazines Teenager OR Sexualised teenager? Source. For other images open hyperlink: s&va=mylie+cyrus&sz=all s&va=mylie+cyrus&sz=all

14 4 Videos Teen music OR Sexualisation of a teenager? Source and hyperlink: 4 Music at MYLIE CYRUS: Teenage VIEOS and MUSIC

15 in-upcoming-film/story-e6frf9h ?from=public_rss (Source and hyperlink)ttp:// in-upcoming-film/story-e6frf9h ?from=public_rss Mylie Cyrus: FILM Miley Cyrus to play promiscuous, pot-smoking teen in upcoming film

16 Mylie Cyrus (Hanna Montana) All ‘grown up” or sexualisation of teenagers? 4 How do you know when a teenage girl singer is now all grown up? 4 What are the tell-tale signs that she has left the foolishness of her immature girly days behind and become a real woman? 4 Her coming-of-age is easy to detect. 4 She will launch a sexy new look and a song that tells us how hot she is. She will tell us she is unique and different and breaking all the rules. In reality, she’s following the same script as others before her. It’s part of the music machine. Strip off, writhe around on the floor, do a photo shoot for a lad’s mag and tell the world: I’m a big girl now. 4 The music clip that goes with her metamorphosis usually involves one or all of the following elements: Sex, poles, fetishised clothing, lingerie, some black leather and killer heels for good measure, lots of groping and grinding against men – and women of course, because “bi” is just so in right now and our big girl doesn’t want to be locked in to any rigid form of sexuality. There will be intimations of group sex, including simulated oral and anal acts and her newly outed breasts (proving she’s a woman) will be groped. Ah, our little girl is all grown up. Read entire article. Read entire article. Article at: / /

17 Useful websites: Hyperlink below 4 Completely GORGEOUS Completely GORGEOUS This website provide students and teachers with activities or questions (for thinking, discussing, or writing about) relating to each section of the site. The activities and questions are sorted as suitable for upper primary, lower secondary, or upper secondary students. Source:

18 Useful websites: Hyperlink below 4 The Butterfly Foundation The Butterfly Foundation The Butterfly Foundation is an Australian Group started by a mum of two girls who struggled with eating disorders. It provides support and information for families, links to support services, and funds education and research. Source:

19 Useful websites: Hyperlink below 4 Kids Free 2B Kids - Videos Kids Free 2B Kids - Videos This shows a number video of relevant reports that have been shown on Australian televisions; the programs are very insightful and give a good understanding into the sexualisation of children. Source:

20 Useful websites: Hyperlink below Centre for Media Literacy (CML) is an educational organisation that provides leadership, public education, professional development and educational resources nationally. It’s aim is to promote and support media literacy education as a framework for accessing, analysing, evaluating, creating and participating with media content. Source:

21 Useful websites: Hyperlink below 4 YourKidsEd.com.au - Too Much, Too Soon: Guiding Your Children Through A Sexualised World YourKidsEd.com.au - Too Much, Too Soon: Guiding Your Children Through A Sexualised World Source: ge.htmhttp://ehlt.flinders.edu.au/education/DLiT/2009/web9sexualisation/tips_pa ge.htm

22 From the Wiggles to Mylie Cyrus 4 Sexualisation of teenagers takes children FROM the Wiggles 4 TO Mylie Cyrus in a few short years!

23 Bibliography Bibliography is included as sources on each page where references are made as “Hyperlinks” for easy reference and access to relevant sites and information when presenting or using the power point.