This is the second of a three-part series covering the findings of a major British Government study that synthesizes the key findings of pornography research as a whole.

Last week, I reported on the study's findings (numbers 1 through 5) of the scope of the problem.

This week I summarize the findings (numbers 6 through 8) of the result of this exposure on our children.

The study reviewed 41,000 literature pieces and "confidently concluded" the following:

FINDING 6: Exposure to pornography affects children's sexual beliefs. Children learn from their exposure to pornography. Pornography has been linked to:

• Unrealistic attitudes about sex
• Maladaptive attitudes about relationships
• More sexually permissive attitudes
• Greater acceptance of casual sex
• Beliefs that women are sex objects
• Antagonistic and unhealthy views towards women and sexuality
• Greater tolerance and less disapproval of unwanted sex
• More frequent thoughts about sex
• Sexual uncertainty (e.g. unclear about sexual beliefs and values)
• Gender role attitudes of male dominance and female submission

FINDING 7: Exposure to pornography is linked to children's engagement in "risky behaviors."  

• engagement in sexual practices from a younger age 
• more likely to having had anal sex or oral sex 
• more likely to having had sex with multiple partners  
• more likely to having had sex using alcohol and drugs
• "Sexting" has recently emerged as another "risky behavior" because it can lead to various negative outcomes, including bullying and exploitation. The majority of the harassment that is a consequence of sexting is directed by young men towards young women.  

FINDING 8: Exposure to sexualized and violent imagery affects children.  

• There are links between violent attitudes and violent media; specifically, children who hold more violent attitudes access more violent media.
• One study found that exposure to sexualized material was related to the likelihood of young people engaging in more sexualized behavior because they perceived more social pressure to have sex.
• Pornography has been linked to sexually coercive behavior among young people, and, for young women, viewing pornography is linked with higher rates of sexual harassment and forced sex.
• Most children and young people reported awareness of the dangers of online pornography but feel that they have the necessary coping skills to deal with them.  

Next week the study's recommendations for a public policy response. 

 

(Horvath, M. A., Alys, L., Massey, K., Pina, A., Scally, M., & Adler, J. R. (2013). Basically... porn is everywhere. London: The Office of the Children's Commissioner (OCC). Retrieved from http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/content/publications/content_667)

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Searcy, Arkansas

Downtown Church of Christ

In the World, Not of the World Parent Presentation

 

Thursday-Friday, December 5-6, 2013

Prattville, Alabama

Prattville Christian Academy

Images or Glory? Parent and Student Presentations 

 

If you are interested in having Eric speak at your school, church, or other event, call 972-342-0753 or email eric@ultimateescape.org.