It starts with the first time a young Black child is called the n-word. Or when a child has to take care of the home because their parents are working or dealing with a substance abuse disorder. Or they get into their tweens and teens and adults start catcalling them or coming on to them sexually, if not sexually violating them. Or a white teacher over-disciplines them. Or…or…or….
The word for this constellation of behaviors that harmfully reshape our children into adults way before they’re ready is “adultification.”
In recent years, there has been growing concern about this, particularly with Black girls. Adultification is the phenomenon in which children, particularly children of color, are perceived as older and more mature than they actually are, leading to harmful consequences for their mental health, education and overall well-being
Causes of Adultification
One of the main causes of adultification is racial bias. Research has shown that Black children, particularly girls, are more likely to be perceived as older and more mature than their white counterparts, even when they are the same age. This bias can manifest in a variety of ways, such as teachers expecting Black girls to behave more maturely than their white peers, or police officers perceiving Black children as more threatening or dangerous.
Another factor that contributes to adultification is gender stereotypes. Girls, particularly those of color, are often expected to be more responsible and self-sufficient than boys, which can lead to them being treated as if they are older and more mature than they actually are. This can be particularly damaging for young girls who may feel pressure to conform to adult expectations and neglect their own needs and interests.
Effects of Adultification
The adultification of children can have a number of negative effects on their mental health, education and overall well-being. One of the most significant consequences is the impact on their self-esteem and self-worth. When children are constantly treated as if they are older and more mature than they actually are, they may feel like they are not allowed to be children and enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, which can have long-term effects on their mental health.
Adultification can also have negative effects on children’s education. When teachers and other authority figures expect children to behave in a more mature and responsible manner than their peers, they may be held to higher standards and face harsher punishments for misbehavior. This can lead to a negative cycle in which children who are perceived as more mature and responsible are given more responsibility and held to higher standards, which can lead to stress and burnout.
Finally, adultification can have an impact on children’s physical health. When children are perceived as older and more mature, they may be given tasks and responsibilities that are not appropriate for their age and development level. This can lead to physical strain and injury, as well as stress and exhaustion.
Strategies to Address Adultification
There are a number of strategies that can be used to address the issue of adultification. One of the most important is to raise awareness of the issue and educate teachers, parents and other authority figures about the impact their biases and expectations can have on children. This can include providing training on implicit bias, cultural competency and trauma-informed care, as well as promoting diversity and inclusivity in education and other settings.
Another strategy is to promote policies and practices that support children’s development and well-being. This can include increasing access to high-quality early childhood education, providing support for families and caregivers and creating safe and supportive environments for children to learn and grow.
Finally, it is important to involve children and young people in the conversation about adultification and its impact on their lives. This can include creating opportunities for children to share their experiences and perspectives, as well as involving them in decision-making processes that affect their education and well-being.
