What are the concerns about sexual content in the media?

Research has shown that when teens are exposed to a lot of sexual content in the media, they are more likely to engage in sexual behavior and more likely to start having sexual relations at an early age. (see this study)

Often, media do not portray sexual behavior accurately, giving youth the impression that sexual activity occurs more often and in more risky ways than in reality. (see this study) Additionally, few media show or discuss the responsibilities and consequences that go along with being sexually active. (see this study)

There are also concerns about sexual content in music lyrics and music videos. Youth who listen to sexually degrading lyrics are twice as likely to initiate sexual activity and advance more quickly than youth who do not listen to this kind of music. Teens who frequently watch rap videos are twice as likely to have multiple sexual partners and 1.5 times more likely to acquire an STD than teens who do not watch these videos. (see this study)

Adolescents often use the internet to find dating partners and to communicate with peers. A study of teen chat room use found that youth in an unmonitored chat room had more conversations that included sexual references and profanity than youth in a supervised chat room. (see this study)

Next: What are the benefits of sexual content in the media?

 

CMCH resources on sexual behavior and media are made possible
by a grant from the Aerosmith Foundation.