Seanad debates
Thursday, 27 February 2003
Suicide Incidence: Statements.
We must also look at the sexualisation of young people, which is taking place at 11, 12 and 13 years of age. The period from 12 to 20 years of age is difficult enough. We all remember it. No one, regardless of the way they dress up or the mask they wear, feels beautiful or comfortable with the opposite sex between 12 and 20. It is an awkward time full of awkward tensions. To insert into that experience a commercially driven sexualisation of a person's self image only makes it much more difficult. The fact that it creates a superficial level of sophistication among teenagers causes an even greater chasm between them and adults – their parents or others – whom they cannot believe have ever had sex. When that sexualisation is increased, the gap also increases.
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