[Pornography in everyday life and sexual education among adolescents: survey results from 8th and 9th grade students in North Rhine-Westphalia].

Abstract

Background: In the digital age, minors' exposure to online pornography is increasing. However, current data for Germany are lacking.

Research aim: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of unwanted and wanted pornography exposure among adolescents (research question 1, RQ1), their attitudes toward pornography (RQ2), their conceptions of what constitutes good sex (RQ3), and their subjective need for education about pornography (RQ4).

Material and methods: Between 2023 and 2024, students in the 8th and 9th grades from various secondary schools in North Rhine-Westphalia were surveyed in a classroom setting using questionnaires. Complete datasets are available for N = 903 adolescents (85% aged 14-15 years; 54% male, 85% heterosexual).

Results: Both unwanted (48%) and wanted (63%) exposure to pornography were widespread among the surveyed minors (RQ1). Their attitudes toward pornography were ambivalent: they described it as arousing yet harmful, as addictive yet fun (RQ2). In their conceptions of good sex, activities atypical of pornography (e.g., kissing, full-body caressing, declarations of love) played a greater role than those typical of pornography (e.g., hard thrusting, choking, anal intercourse, RQ3). The surveyed minors expressed a need for education about pornography, including its effects (58%) and its realism (55%, RQ4). Differences between boys and girls and between heavy and light pornography users are highlighted.

Discussion: To ensure adolescents are not left alone with their experiences of sexually explicit media, it is advisable to address pornography as a topic in sexual education in an age-appropriate and factual manner.