PREMATURE SEXUALIZATION; A FIASCO TO HUMANITY AND NATIONAL SECURITY.

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Premature sexualization of children can be seen as a social vice which could be categorised under child abuse. It is an issue that concerns parents, policy makers and the public in general.

Sexualization according to the American Psychological Association occurs when "individuals are regarded as sex objects and evaluated in terms of their physical characteristics and sexiness". From the above definition, you can agree with me that women fall more victim to this than men. The sexualization of girls does not only reflects but also contributes to sexist attitudes, a societal tolerance of sexual violence, and the exploitation of girls.

At what age can one be assumed to reach the age of sexual freedom?
This is a very controversial question when viewed from a cultural perspective. To me I am of the opinion that a child should not be exposed to sex. A child is a person who is below the age of adulthood; a minor gloss person who is below the legal age of responsibility or accountability. In Nigeria one is assumed to be legally responsible at the age of 18 which is apparently the age of maturity. Why then did our policy makers give a child of 11 years of age sexual freedom?

Premature sexualization exposes children to various dangers such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases, child pregnancy, regret, abortion, loss of self-esteem and self-respect, corruption of character, fear of commitment, stunted personal development, cancer, damage or ruined relationships, negative effects on marriages, depression and suicide.
It also leads to over population, over population may metamorphose to high rate of poverty which may lead to other social vices like cultism, drug abuse, rubbery and even terrorism.
With all this, what is the fate of Nigeria in the next 10-20 years with the passing of the 11 year old sex bill into law? Of what economic importance is it to national development?

Considering the disasters above I call on the National Assembly to revisit that law and make amendments where necessary as it will cause more harm than good to humanity.

Comrade Ini-obong Uko is the
Vice President (South-South)
National Association of University Students.