Sexualisation of children in Nigeria is commonplace. And since the lockdown and post lockdown, sexual grooming of adolescents experiencing puberty has spiked. According to a 2014 study titled: Child Sexual Abuse Among Adolescents in Southeast Nigeria: A Concealed Public Health Behavioural Issue by Manyike Pius C, Chinawa Josephat M and Chinawa T. Awoere conducted with adolescents in Southern Nigeria, 40% of the respondents (199) have been abused. According to the study, the commonest form of abuse was to look at pornographic pictures, drawings, films, videotapes, or magazines. The study notes that family members and relatives can often be perpetrators of child abuse.
According to a 2019/2020 Mirabel Centre, a Sexual Assault Referral Unit (SARC) report, 80% of children who were sexually abused by perpetrators were known to the victims but unknown to their parents or relatives. Grooming and Sexualisation of Children—Broken Girls and Broken Boys by lightrays media shows the sexualisation of children is more rampant than ever before.
Sexualising refers to the act of imposing or encouraging a focus on sexual behaviour, appearance, or characteristics in a way that is inappropriate for a child’s age. This can manifest through various channels, such as textbooks, media, and school culture, where students may be depicted or judged based on their physical appearance or sexual attributes rather than their intellectual, creative, or social qualities.
For instance, in textbooks, sexualisation might occur through content that reinforces gender stereotypes, emphasises physical attractiveness over academic ability, or uses sexualised imagery to portray young people. In social media, it often involves students being exposed to, or encouraged to emulate, hypersexualized portrayals of individuals, leading to unhealthy perceptions of body image, self-worth, and relationships.
Sexualising schoolchildren creates an environment where they are viewed, or encouraged to view themselves, in terms of their sexual appeal, which can negatively affect their emotional, psychological, and social development. It also distracts from the primary focus of education, which should be intellectual growth, personal development, and learning in a safe and respectful environment.
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the sexualisation of children and young adults through various channels, including textbooks and social media. This phenomenon not only distorts young minds but also negatively impacts their self-image, emotional well-being, and social development. Schools and educators, as key influencers in a child’s formative years, have a crucial role to play in counteracting these harmful trends. By actively addressing the issue of sexualisation in textbooks and social media, schools can foster environments where students are valued for their intellect, talents, and character rather than their appearance or adherence to harmful gender stereotypes.
One of the primary ways schools can combat the sexualisation of students is by reforming the curriculum and ensuring that educational materials are free from inappropriate content. Textbooks, as foundational tools in classrooms, should be closely scrutinised for subtle or overt sexualisation. Unfortunately, some textbooks may contain illustrations, stories, or examples that reinforce harmful gender stereotypes or objectify certain groups of students. For instance, depictions of girls in passive roles or focussing on appearance over achievement can perpetuate the notion that a student’s worth is tied to their physical appearance. By auditing textbook content and ensuring that the material reflects a balanced, respectful view of all students, schools can help foster a healthier learning environment. Educational content should focus on celebrating diversity in talents, achievements, and personal qualities rather than reducing students to sexualised or stereotyped images.
In addition to revising learning materials, it is vital that teachers themselves are well-equipped to recognise and address sexualisation. Professional development programs should be implemented to help teachers understand how certain media, both educational and non-educational, may perpetuate harmful norms. These programs should aim to empower educators with the knowledge and tools to critically evaluate their teaching resources and intervene when necessary. Moreover, teachers should receive training on how to facilitate age-appropriate discussions around gender, body image, and respect, helping students build a strong sense of self-worth that is not influenced by unrealistic or harmful societal expectations.
A key aspect of combating the sexualisation of students involves promoting critical media literacy. In an age where students are constantly bombarded with messages from social media, entertainment, and advertising, teaching young people to critically assess these messages is crucial. Many social media platforms and advertisements promote unattainable beauty standards or glorify hypersexualized behaviours. By educating students on how to critically analyse the media they consume, schools can help them develop the ability to recognise harmful content and resist internalising its messages. This includes understanding the commercial motivations behind sexualised advertising and recognising how it can affect self-esteem and peer interactions.
Social media, in particular, poses a significant challenge in the battle against sexualisation. While it offers many benefits for connection and expression, it is also a space where inappropriate content can easily spread, contributing to the normalisation of harmful behaviours and attitudes. Schools must work closely with parents to monitor students’ online activities and educate them on responsible social media usage. Teaching students about the ethical implications of sharing and engaging with content online is crucial in preventing the sexualisation of both themselves and others. This means guiding students to be mindful of the images they post, the messages they engage with, and the potential consequences of their digital footprint.
Furthermore, fostering a school environment that promotes respect and body positivity is essential in counteracting the pressures of sexualisation. Schools should be safe spaces where students feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of being objectified or judged based on their appearance. Teachers play a vital role in creating this environment by emphasising the value of students’ intellectual, creative, and athletic abilities over physical appearance. By encouraging students to focus on their talents and contributions rather than conforming to external beauty standards, educators can help them develop a sense of self-worth that is rooted in their abilities and character.
Schools must also take a firm stand against any form of sexual harassment or body-shaming within the school community. Clear policies should be in place to address incidents of harassment, with swift and appropriate action taken to protect students. Creating a supportive system for reporting such incidents, along with providing resources for counselling and emotional support, is critical in ensuring students feel safe and respected. The promotion of body positivity and respect for personal boundaries should be an ongoing conversation within the school, reinforced through both formal lessons and everyday interactions.
One area often overlooked in discussions about sexualisation is the importance of guiding students in understanding consent and boundaries. As children grow, they begin to navigate complex social relationships, and it is important that they learn the value of mutual respect and personal boundaries. Schools can introduce age-appropriate discussions around consent, helping students to understand the importance of respecting others’ personal space and autonomy. These lessons not only reduce the likelihood of students engaging in harmful behaviours but also empower them to assert their own boundaries and recognise when they are being violated.
In conclusion, the sexualisation of students through textbooks and social media is a pervasive issue that requires the concerted efforts of both schools and educators to combat. By reforming curricula, empowering teachers, promoting critical media literacy, fostering respectful environments, and encouraging healthy self-expression, schools can create a space where students are valued for who they are, not how they look. This holistic approach ensures that young people grow up with a strong sense of self-worth, free from the pressures of sexualisation, and are prepared to navigate an increasingly complex media landscape with confidence and resilience.
Read more: Sex Education: Breaking the Cycle of Teenage Pregnancy in Nigeria
