We must all resist the sexualisation of girls

I AM a Leaving Certificate student in Loreto Secondary School, Fermoy, Co Cork.

I am currently researching how the media sexualises young women and it’s an important issue that I think should be brought to your attention, especially those with teenage daughters or anyone connected to teenagers.

From my research, it is clear that the media has sexualised women to a dangerous degree. It seems that through advertising, music videos and magazines, the message from the media is that if your daughter is not beautiful, thin, young, sexy, with style and a clear complexion, then there’s something wrong with her.

A simple browse through advertising material will reveal this to be true. It puts enormous pressure on young teenagers to act out what they see and this can have disastrous consequences leading to drug abuse, anorexia, depression and, in some tragic circumstances, even suicide.

I conducted surveys in schools in Fermoy. I found out that 69% of people who responded felt that girls were under pressure to conform to the media stereotype of women. Even more depressing, I found out that 81% of males who responded expect women to be like, and to perform like, the over-sexualised women portrayed in the media. Anyone with a young daughter should be terrified.

I wonder if the people of Cork and surrounding areas realise the pressure the media is putting on young people to be perfect and sexual?

There is a solution. You cannot fight it or block it out, but you can challenge the stereotype in front of your daughters and sons. Actively engage with your children in conversation about this issue, build up their self-esteem through sport, art, music, charity and academic achievements. Teach them to challenge the message the media portrays. Teach them to stand up for themselves and be proud of who they are, no matter what shape or size they come in. It’s our differences that make this a beautiful world.

Educate them on the value of money and not to just hand it over to the first advertising campaign that turns their head and makes them feel bad for who they are.

Finally, teach them the more valuable things in life and that they are loved regardless. May I also just say that your paper is an honourable exception to the above media, as it is always celebrating the good points about our young people.

Ellen Kennelly

Leaving Cert Class

Loreto Secondary School

Fermoy

Co Cork