Have moral panics about girls in the United States historically focused on monitoring their sexuality?

Moral panics regarding girls in the United States have indeed historically centered on the scrutiny of their sexuality. This phenomenon can be traced back through various societal concerns over the decades, where girls’ sexual behavior has been seen as a reflection of broader societal values and issues.

Historically, periods of heightened concern over issues such as teen pregnancy, sexual liberation, and the portrayal of girls in media have resulted in reactions that seek to control or regulate their sexual expression. These moral panics often arise from a perceived threat to traditional family values or societal norms, leading to efforts aimed at monitoring and disciplining girls' sexuality.

The emphasis on controlling girls’ sexuality emerges from a complex interplay of gender norms, societal expectations, and fears about the implications of girls asserting sexual agency. This historical context illustrates that the concern is not just about individual behavior but also about larger cultural anxieties regarding gender and sexuality. Thus, the assertion that moral panics have focused on monitoring girls' sexuality is accurate and reflects the ways in which society has reacted to perceived challenges posed by changing norms related to female sexuality.