Sexualised music media and children’s gender role and self-identity development: a four-phase study

Abstract

There has been much concern about the perceived increase in sexualised media and its potential impact on children’s well-being and development. This phenomenon was examined in a four-phase study focusing, specifically on music media. Phase 1 investigated the prevalence of sexualised music media broadcast on Australian free-to-air television in child-friendly time periods. Phase 2 examined children’s preferred music genres, artists and videos to assess their engagement with sexualised music media. Phase 3 examined children’s perceptions of gender roles and self-identities. Phase 4 explored children’s imitations of music media artists and performances. The study used a mixed-method approach incorporating content analysis, individual and group interviews, children’s activities and observations. Findings reveal that music media is a substantive influence shaping children’s everyday lives and proposes educating children about media influences from a young age.