It think it demonstrates a failure on behalf of the adult.
I was brought up in an era when it was common practice for parents and teachers to apply physical punishment. I was beaten as child multiple times, mainly by teachers and usually for no good reason. The only thing it taught me was self preservation which got me expelled from the education system at the age of 14!
My first crush was actually made of wood, a 1934 Gibson L-30 archtop guitar.
Seriously, it was living in our house as an ornament when I was a child but once I discovered what could be achieved when strings were added I lost all interest in the opposite sex for years.
I do recall having a bit of a crush on Jenny Agutter after seeing her in 'Walkabout', a rather controversial film by Nicolas Roeg.