Sexy imagery 'harms young girls' From correspondents in Washington February 21, 2007 04:48am INESCAPABLE media images of sexed-up girls and women posing as adolescents can cause psychological and even physical harm to adolescents and young women, a study has found. The pressure of what experts call "sexualisation" can lead to depression, eating disorders, and poor academic performance, said the report, released by the American Psychological Association. "Sexualisation of girls is a broad and increasing problem and is harmful to girls," it said.