Growing Up Too Soon

By Nowsheena Mushtaq 

Not long ago was the age when childhood was actually much adored as the time period reserved for innocence and adventuring, a period that now seems increasingly overwhelmed by the overhang of modern life. “Growing up too soon” has become commonplace when early contact with unintended demands of the societal fabric, media, and heavy adult themes result in an overtly accelerated maturity growth among children. Prematurely matured bodies often bear a grievous effect on their physicalization minds and morals, greatly raising the ugly eyebrows and angry sighs considering the innocence loss and value corruption in the tender years.

Perhaps the most outstanding physical changes seen today is premature puberty. For example, menstruation at the tender ages of nine or ten marks the onset of this natural process in girls; it is thought to have been influenced by improved nutrition-the sedentary lifestyle-as well as chemicals the food is laden with and those contained within personal care products. These developments are often above the heads of these little girls who must struggle with them on an emotional and social level. Suffers from harsh developments: a deepening voice, body hair, increased hormonal activity-present themselves for boys from a pre-adulthood age of ten or eleven at the earliest. And while both are, outside circumstances, pretty normal, they spawn the most frightful embarrassment and nonsense when other peers are not in it.

It brings a lot of physical -precociousness. Likewise, it is laden with mental and emotional baggage. We have opened up in this digital age to another world of information and much of it ill-suited for young minds. Social media nowadays expose children to unimaginably high and unrealistic standards of beauty, a lavish lifestyle, and success. Physical maturation achieved at a young age is usually followed by mental and emotional difficulties. The pervasiveness of digital media has provided an access route to a world of information, much of which is inappropriate for young audiences. For example it exposes children to reinforced ideal images of beauty, way of life and achievement. Males can feel pressured to mimic hyper-masculine behaviours often seen in movies or video games, whilst females are often placed under pressure to conform to an unrealistic standard of body size. Such pressures may lead to anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, and even body dysmorphia. Moreover, lines between right and wrong in the virtual world can be very subjective, making it difficult for a child to identify what is appropriate to do. Worst of all is the loss of moral values and of early innocence. Children who have been exposed to violent video games, sexually explicit film, or harmful Internet interaction may start to disapprove of aggression, lying and shallow social approval. On the one hand, a boy repeatedly exposed to violent games may become desensitized to violence, and on the other, a girl who plunges into social media may link self-worth with the number of likes and followers she achieves. The early exposure has also been shown to make children behave like adults. Stories about adolescent romance, experimentation with drugs, or imitation of risky behaviour from the media are becoming ever more commonplace. These behaviours not only interfere with their innate emotional development but also further expose them to perceived risk that they are not equipped to deal with. 

Parents and teachers can play a pivotal role in alleviating the impact of this phenomenon. Openness around physical changes such as menses or puberty, as well as emotional support, can best equip children with the tools needed to go through these transitions with confidence. School should give priority to inclusive sex education taking both biological and psychological aspects of maturity into consideration. Children are in dire need of activities that develop the child’s creativity (e.g., sports, arts, outdoors play) beyond school. In order to counteract the adverse effects of media on children and youth, guardians can put limits on time spent on screen and ensure that it is appropriate to their age. Traditional values and belonging can be shared through family activities, such as eating together, storytelling, or even gardening. For boys, teaching respect and empathy early on can counteract toxic masculinity, while girls should be empowered to value their individuality beyond societal expectations. If as a society we recognise that children are socialised in environments that can be too fast-paced and demanding, then it is a matter for serious consideration that we, as a society, must recognise that children are being socialised at an excessive rate. Preserving the innocence of childhood is a task that will need a unified response. By fostering an environment that promotes balanced growth, strong moral values, and emotional resilience, we can ensure that children develop at their own pace. In conclusion, growing up too soon is not just about physical changes like early puberty; it is a complex issue affecting children’s mental, emotional, and moral development. Focusing on their own well-being and preserving their naivety, we can support them in addressing modernity while preserving the core of childhood. After all, the simplicity, curiosity, and joy of being a child are treasures that deserve our utmost protection. Let children live their childhoods to its fullest extent, as it is the root to a better and more compassionate tomorrow.

• The author has completed her masters in English literature from Central University of Kashmir, currently working as an English educator. Author can be reached out at [email protected]

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