The weekend is quickly approaching and many parents are scared out of their wits as they rush about town trying to find their children a costume before the sun sets and the ghost and goblins begin their night of trickery and the wee ones venture out into the dark of night in search of treats.
However the real trickery parents may find isn’t on Halloween night as they lead the search down their neighborhood streets for sugary goodies, but as they search the isles of of retailers in search of a child appropriate costume. On Halloween three years ago I brought you the piece, Too Sexy For Your Kids? | Children, where I discussed how our children are over sexualized. The issue can be far reaching from what is playing on the airwaves, what kids have access to on the internet, to the language we use. As I was sitting around preparing for the upcoming festivities and speaking with friends whose little ones were clamoring to show me their Halloween costumes…which they have been wanting to wear everyday since they got them. Cowgirls and pumpkins, batman and princesses all jumping around in delight and innocence just excited to play dress-up or look like their favorite cartoon character. However these cute and cuddly costume adorned munchkins innocence seems to becoming increasingly difficult to preserve. Therefore I have been once again brought back to a question that I raised a few years ago; “Are today’s kids being forced into dressing sexy?”. OK, lets say not forced, but coursed and influenced to dress sexy?
The search of the internet, stores, and stories of concerned mom’s and dad’s once again has me thinking and questioning if we will continue to sexualize are children at an earlier and earlier age. All of which makes me shudder and cringe in horror. For one I work in the anti-trafficking field and I have seen first-hand the realities of over-sexualization. Yes, it may seem innocent to parade a child in adult like attire, and many are thinking that regardless of how a child is dressed that they are just that, a child, and only a sick person would see anything else and thus clothes are merely harmless fun.
Nonetheless what one all too often finds when shopping for our kids is that, outfits that are too short or too low-cut, and many times flat-out too risque. These everyday outfits and Halloween costumes are being marketed to the “tween” and teen girl population the most, and are often influenced by TV characters and celebrities. In my opinion I am not sure that red lipstick, mid-drift bra-tops and high-heels are ever acceptable for little girls… unless they have raided mom’s closet and make-up for some innocent dress-up. The reality is that people buy what is available on the market and the market is indicated by demand. Therefore it is still ultimately up to parents to set the example on what is acceptable to wear and it’s our responsibility to ensure our children are instilled with the values and self-worth to know that they can dress to feel good and have fun without being overly sexy or outlandish to be accepted.
It is essential that we see that our children are not only educated and aware of potential dangers, but are not put at risk. In the United States the average of entry into prostitution is a mere 11-12 years-old. I for one and praying my doorbell rings this year and I won’t open my door to find any Halloween horrors, but just a few fairies, superheros, stuffed animal look a-likes, and princes and princesses knocking on my door.
Please also see my anti-trafficking colleague, Betsy Brammon’s article, “Is Halloween a Free Pass to Sexualize Children”, which also discusses how the over sexualization of children places them at risk. Additionally see my previous related posts; Are children paying the price for over sexualization?, The changing face of porn and the price we pay, and more here.
