C.A.P.C.S is very good at finding case studies, then publishing bits of them out of context. The following is an example. Underneath the C.A.P.C.S version is the original in full. As you can see, some important bits of the original did not make it out of the C.A.P.C.S chop shop. I highlighted one of the important bits. You may also notice that the original study advises the parents to supervise and teach their kids. No mention of swarming City Hall to bully Council Members into passing silly By-Laws, or slandering honest store owners
C.A.P.C.S version: Adult Magazines and the mental health of children
Lost Childhood
There is a tendency in society to encourage children to dress and behave like adults. This results in an early sexualisation of children before they can process what sexuality is and long before they have a chance to discover and explore their own sexuality. (Early) sexualisation can be harmful to a child’s emotional development because they are not equipped psychologically to interpret the sexual behaviour and conduct of pop stars and adults. At age (13), children are in the process of developing their sense of self. Unfortunately, it’s also the age where many children begin to believe that popularity and success are achieved solely by the way they look
(Early sexualisation of children is caused and then encouraged by many influences, including advertising, media, peer pressure, overly accommodating parents, and early exposure to various kinds of sexuality and unusual sexual practices…
In addition to being harmful to a child’s emotional development, (early) sexualisation can be dangerous. Children who dress and behave like adults may be more vulnerable to sexual assault and abuse.
Children today are experiencing a shortened childhood due to early sexualisation and because they have the stress and responsibilities often reserved for adulthood. Childhood should be cherished as a time of play and discovery.”
The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, “Kid’s Health”, 1999
The Original
There is a tendency in society to encourage children to dress and behave like adults. This results in an early sexualisation of children before they can process what sexuality is and long before they have a chance to discover and explore their own sexuality. Sexualisation can be harmful to a child’s emotional development because they are not equipped psychologically to interpret the sexual behaviour and conduct of pop stars and adults. At Amy’s age, children are in the process of developing their sense of self. Unfortunately, it’s also the age where many children begin to believe that popularity and success are achieved solely by the way they look.
While it may be easy to place the blame on the media and pop culture for the sexualisation of children, the cause is more complex. Sexualisation of children is caused and then encouraged by many influences, including advertising, media, peer pressure, overly accommodating parents, and early exposure to various kinds of sexuality and unusual sexual practices through the Internet.
In addition to being harmful to a child’s emotional development, sexualisation can be dangerous. Children who dress and behave like adults may be more vulnerable to sexual assault and abuse.
Children today are experiencing a shortened childhood due to early sexualisation and because they have the stresses and responsibilities often reserved for adulthood. Childhood should be cherished as a time of play and discovery.
C.A.P.C.S somehow missed the following paragraph
How can parents help?.
1. Sit down with your child to view and discuss the messages being sent to your child through television, pop culture, movies, and advertising. This will heighten your child’s awareness and help raise her level of self-consciousness.
2. Set boundaries and limitations for your child on what is appropriate concerning dress, make-up and conduct at different age levels. For example, some parents won’t permit their children to wear make-up until they are 15 years of age.
3. Keep in mind that a 13-year-old girl may look like an adult, but she does not have the psychological or emotional capacity of an adult.
4. Keep communication lines open with your child. Childhood and adolescence is a time when your child needs positive and loving relationships. As a parent, you have an opportunity to be your child’s role model.
5. Watch for possible signs of sexual abuse, such as a child that simulates sexual acts towards other children or adults.
6. Encourage your child to concentrate on personal achievement, rather than basing success on appearance. Allow your child to take advantage of all the opportunities available to her in childhood. This can be achieved by helping your child focus on school studies and enrolling your child in sports and arts programs.
7. Educate your child about the physical and emotional aspects of sexuality. This will help your child feel empowered to make positive choices.
8. Allow your child to explore her own personal style without compromising her safety or creating a false perception for others.
The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, “Kid’s Health”, 1999