About Teens Abuse Porn

Teens Abusing Porn Adolescent sexuality is being formed by what they see online, particularly pornography. Consumption by teens at such an impressionable stage in development can have serious repercussions for their self-image and ability to form healthy relationships later. Pornography can also serve as an avenue of predation and sexual exploitation – with its permanent images having lasting psychological ramifications on those exploited, including inhibiting them from building trusting relationships (NCMEC 2021).

Screening adolescents for high-risk sexual behavior is essential in order to identify areas affected by pornography that need intervention and risk factors, such as a decreased interest in other activities, sleep disruptions, academic performance decline, mood instability and physical symptoms like neck or genital pain.

Of young people will encounter pornography at some point during their lives, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Studies have documented its prevalence at anywhere between 19% in a US study to 25% among 11-16 year-olds in both Australia and UK studies. Teens become exposed through search engine use, unintended access of sites containing explicit material, peer sharing of illicit content etc.

Children exposed to and influenced by pornographic imagery may become victims of sexual exploitation as they get older; some even being asked to partake in acts they saw being performed on film. Therefore, it is imperative that young people have the chance to discuss what they see with parents who will listen without judgment and accept what their child says as truth.