Sexually Explicit Material and Adolescent Sexual Health A Cause for concern?
Clare Bale PhD student, University of Sheffield
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Background and context.....
Rates of diagnoses of uncomplicated genital chlamydial infection by sex and age group, GUM clinics, United Kingdom: 1997 - 2006
Rate per 100,000 population
Males
Females <16 16-19 20-24 25-34 35-44 >44
1400 1200 1000
1400 1200 1000
800
800
600
600
400
400
200
200
0
0 20
20
20
20
20
20
20
19
19
06
05
04
03
02
01
00
99
98
97
06
05
04
03
02
01
00
99
98
97
19
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
19
19
19
Routine GUM clinic returns
09/06/2009
Sexually Transmi tted Infections, HPA Centre for Infections
2
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“The positive media coverage of celebrity behaviour involving sex, drugs and alcohol acts as an encouragement to young people “ (p8) (my emphasis); “the power of commercial marketing, advertising and merchandising of alcohol and various products that use lifestyle, imagery and language to get their message across to their audience. These messages are being received at a very early age” (p14).
“Consider the effect of young girls’ magazines that portray young girls as sexual objects, and the marketing of ‘sexualised’ dolls to girls as young as 3 years of age” (p20).(my emphasis) “ An increasing number of young people experiment with sex, drugs and alcohol. The irony is that endorsement of this behaviour whether by explicit or subliminal
“ (we) need to reconsider the messages young people receive often subliminally - that it is acceptable to engage in both inappropriate and sexual behaviour “ (p4) (my emphasis)
There is an association between pornography viewing and having engaged in oral and anal intercourse (Hammaaren & Johansson 2001, Tyden et al 2001, Haggstrom-Nordin E et al 2005). Pornography viewing is cited as being closely related with sexual risks among adolescent and youth (Steele, J. R., 1999 and Wang S 2000 cited in Hong et al 2007). (Pornography) It is argued to fuel distorted views of male and female sexuality, violate notions of freedom and justice, which in turn may lead to sexual objectification of women (Wallmyr & Welin 2006) (sexual) violence against women (Rogela & Tyden 2003) and children (Langevin & Curnoe 2004).
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Given appropriate information and services, young people will behave responsibly and well (Friedman 1992)
Risky behaviour = having more than one partner in one’s lifetime (Peter & Valkenburg 2006)
If boys learn during these formative years that women are sexual objects, only to be used for sexual satisfaction, it may result in unhealthy and unrealisitic sex role expectations (Wallmyr and Wellin 2006 p 294)
“Sexual health is the integration of the somatic, emotional, intellectual, and social aspects of sexual being, in ways that are positively enriching and that enhance personality, communication, and love” (WHO 1975).
Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled”
RCN 190908
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RCN 190908
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Research topic, Aims and Objectives.... • To provide an authentic account of young people’s engagement with, and experiences of, sexualised culture as ‘agents’ in their own right. • To explore the spaces where young people discuss/consider these issues. • To explore young people’s perspectives of sexuality, sexual identity and health within the context of sexualised culture.
Emerging themes.................. • • • • •
Humour Transgression Age differentiation Other Moral propritary
Challenges............... • Authenticity – seeking a truth? (external validity) • Ethics – – – –
Recruitment ‘High risk’ group Consent Confidentiality
• Use of web 2 technology (Practicalities) • Timing – young people centered • Responsible theoretical analysis