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- 1.Define traditional versus online pornography.
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- 3.Describe predictors of child and adolescent pornography use.
- 4.Discuss possible consequences to child and adolescent pornography viewing.
- 5.Explore practice implications related to child and adolescent pornography exposure.
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Children and adolescents are growing up in a digital world. The rapid expansion of the development, accessibility, and use of cellular phones and the Internet is changing human existence. Adolescents are absorbed in the use of technology; however, this behavior is also becoming characteristic of younger children as well (
Livingstone and Smith, 2014
). Consider that in 1970, the average American child began to watch television regularly at age 4, yet today, children begin interacting with digital media at the age of 4 months (Reid Chassiakos et al., 2016
). Although technology can enhance communication, recreation, and education, its use can also present risks to children and adolescents. One such risk is exposure to pornography. It is difficult to dispute the fact that the Internet has revolutionized the pornography industry and has substantially expanded child and adolescent access to pornography. The Internet allows instant access to a wide variety of pornography that can be viewed anywhere, even from the privacy of a child's room, with little to no parental knowledge (Wright and Donnerstein, 2014
). This continuing educational article will explore child and adolescent Internet pornography exposure in terms of definition, epidemiology, predictors, consequences, and implications for practice.DEFINITION
Pornography can be broadly defined as professionally produced or consumer-generated pictures or videos intended to sexually arouse the consumer (
Peter and Valkenburg, 2016
). Traditional pornography relies on traditional media venues such as television, movies, and magazines. Internet pornography viewing is the online viewing or downloading of pictures and videos where genitals are exposed, and/or people are having sex with the intention of stimulating a sexual reaction in the viewer (Peter and Valkenburg, 2016
). A variety of sexual activities are depicted in both genres of pornography, including but not limited to masturbation, oral sex, and vaginal and anal intercourse, all with a focus on the genitals.The Internet has transformed pornography consumption. Online pornography differs from traditional pornography in several ways. The Internet has changed the fundamental relationship between the individual and pornography, allowing access to an endless supply of free and diverse material (
Wood, 2011
). Online pornography is accessible from virtually anywhere with an Internet connection and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Internet allows for the global dissemination of pornography via the Triple-A Engine: accessibility, affordability, and anonymity (Cooper, 1998
). Traditional pornography requires acquiring a magazine or film from a store or a friend or viewing a television program, all of which carry a perception of increased risk of parental detection. Online pornography exposure is much more difficult for parents to monitor than traditional media exposure (Collins et al., 2017
). The child or teen often perceives viewing online pornography as private and anonymous, which emboldens them to search for material that they would not search for via traditional media.The content of traditional pornography is somewhat regulated, whereas the content of online pornography is widely unregulated (
Wright and Donnerstein, 2014
). Studies suggest that Internet pornography often portrays extreme forms of sexuality and sexually violent content more so than traditional pornography (Collins et al., 2017
; Strasburger, Jordan and Donnerstein, 2012
). Studies also indicate that Internet pornography presents sexual scripts supportive of aggressive and gender-stereotypic behavior (Bridges et al., 2010
). Men are perpetrators and women are victims typically. A variety of aggressive behaviors accompanying sex are often portrayed, including choking, spanking, kicking, use of weapons, whipping, smothering, and biting (Wright and Donnerstein, 2014
). Derogatory namecalling is often present. Depictions of rape can be found via an Internet search to fuel fantasies or enhance rape-supportive scripts (Gossett and Byrne, 2002
). Online pornography provides motivational, disinhibiting, and opportunity aspects that make it different from traditional pornography in terms of potential effects on children and adolescents (Malamuth, Linz and Yao, 2005
). It can be engaging and interactive, yielding a potential for increased viewing time and learning. Online chat rooms and blogs provide support and reinforcement for these pornographic images and messages.Child and adolescent pornography exposure can be either intentional or unintentional. Examples of unintentional exposure include the opening of unsolicited messages or receiving spam emails (
Chen, Leung, Chen and Yang, 2013
), mistyping Web site addresses, searching for terms that have a nonsexual as well as sexual meaning (Flood, 2007
), or accidentally viewing pop-up images and advertisements (Ševčíková, Šerek, Barbovschi and Daneback, 2014
). Intentional pornography exposure is deliberate and purposeful, often involving an active online search for the material. It is unclear to what extent unintentional online pornography viewing contributes to intentional pornography viewing.EPIDEMIOLOGY
It is impossible to determine the exact number of children and adolescents unintentionally and intentionally exposed to pornography. The prevalence rate varies per study. The prevalence rates for unintentional adolescent pornography exposure range from 19% (
Mitchell and Wells, 2007
) to 32% (Hardy, Steelman, Coyne and Ridge, 2013
). A nationally representative study of U.S. youth between the ages of 10 and 17 years indicated that 34% of the study population intentionally viewed pornography (Wolak, Mitchell and Finkelhor, 2007
). However, younger children in that study, aged 10 to 11 years were unlikely to seek pornography, with only 2% to 5% of boys and 1% of girls reporting intentional pornography viewing (Wolak, Mitchell and Finkelhor, 2007
). Ybarra et al., 2011
found 15% of youth aged 12 to 17 years reported intentional pornography exposure in the past year. A U.S. study of nearly 1,000 adolescents reported that 66% of males and 39% of females had viewed online pornography (Short et al., 2012
). Pornography exposure in children less than 10 years of age is relatively unexplored (Rothman et al., 2017
).However, both unintentional and intentional pornography viewing by children and adolescents increases with age and varies by gender (
Mitchell and Wells, 2007
; Tsaliki, 2011
). Another study of online pornography use in the United States revealed that 42% of 10 to 17 year olds had seen pornography online, with 27% describing the use as intentional (Wright and Donnerstein, 2014
). Multiple studies report boys to be more likely to intentionally view pornography than girls (Bleakley, Hennessy and Fishbein, 2011
; Luder et al., 2011
). Another study in the United States reported that 54% of boys and 17% of girls between the ages of 15 to 17 years reported intentional online pornography viewing. However, a study of adolescent pornography use in the European Union found variability of gender-based pornography use differed by the social progressiveness of the country (Ševčíková, Šerek, Barbovschi and Daneback, 2014
). The gender differences in pornography use were less distinct in more socially liberal countries when compared with more socially conservative ones.It is important to understand the trajectory of adolescent pornography use.
Doornwaard et al., 2016
describe three trajectories of pornography use for boys: nonuse or infrequent use, strongly increased use, occasional use, and decreasing use. Pornography use for girls followed three trajectories: stable nonuse or infrequent use, strongly increasing use, and stable occasional use. Although prevalence rates vary among studies, national and international studies reveal that online pornography use is common among boys and not uncommon among girls (Collins et al., 2017
).PREDICTORS OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PORNOGRAPHY USE
Certain factors are important predictors of child and adolescent pornography use (Box 1). Demographic factors associated with increased pornography exposure include male gender and lower socioeconomic status (
Hardy, Steelman, Coyne and Ridge, 2013
). Bisexual or gay adolescent males tend to use Internet pornography more often than straight males (Luder et al., 2011
). Family factors can also increase risk for pornography exposure. Living in a single-parent home, lower level of caregiver surveillance, and weak emotional bonds with caregivers can lead to increased pornography exposure (Ybarra and Mitchell, 2005
).BOX 1
Predictors of child and adolescent online pornography use
Male gender
Brown and L'Engle, 2009
; Hardy, Steelman, Coyne and Ridge, 2013
; Strouse, Goodwin and Roscoe, 1994
;Wolak, Mitchell and Finkelhor, 2007
; Ybarra and Mitchell, 2005
Bisexual or gay male
Luder et al., 2011
Lack of caregiver monitoring of child/adolescent online behaviors
Ybarra and Mitchell, 2005
; Wingood et al., 2001
Poor emotional bond with a caregiver
Ybarra and Mitchell, 2005
Victim of physical or sexual abuse
Ybarra and Mitchell, 2005
; Wolak, Mitchell and Finkelhor, 2007
Recent other traumatic negative life experiences
Ybarra and Mitchell, 2005
; Wolak, Mitchell and Finkelhor, 2007
Victim of bullying
Shek and Ma, 2014
Depression
Ybarra and Mitchell, 2005
Delinquent/rule-breaking behavior
Hardy, Steelman, Coyne and Ridge, 2013
; Ybarra and Mitchell, 2005
; Wolak, Mitchell and Finkelhor, 2007
Sensation-seeking personality
Brown and L'Engle, 2009
Social deviance
Hasking, Scheier and Abdallah, 2011
Personality characteristics are also predictive. Children and adolescents who are sensation seekers, engage in delinquent and rule-breaking behavior, and have low self-control are more likely to view pornography (
Wright and Donnerstein, 2014
). Impulsive, thrill-seeking adolescents tend to engage in higher levels of pornography use (Beyens, Vandenbosch and Eggermont, 2015
; Peter and Valkenburg, 2016
; Ševčíková, Šerek, Barbovschi and Daneback, 2014
). Adolescents who express dissatisfaction with their lives are also more likely to view pornography (Peter and Valkenburg, 2016
). Social deviance also affects pornography use with adolescents who tend to reject other norms and rules being more likely to engage in pornography viewing (Hasking, Scheier and Abdallah, 2011
).Exposure to psychosocial trauma is also predictive of pornography viewing. Youth who have experienced physical or sexual abuse or who have had a recent negative life experience, such as parental divorce, are more likely to view pornography. Adolescents who experience traditional and/or cyberbullying are also more likely to use Internet pornography (
Shek and Ma, 2014
). Opportunity for pornography viewing also predicts actual viewing. Youth with Internet access on their phones or a computer in their bedroom are more likely to view pornography. In addition, pornography use is more prevalent among youth who are less religiously involved and who perceive less potential for condemnation upon discovery of their pornography viewing. In summary Peter and Valkenburg, 2016
describe the typical adolescent pornography user as male, at a higher stage of puberty, and a sensation-seeker with weak or troubled family relations.Some factors appear to be protective against child and adolescent use of pornography. Religiousness, religious internalization and involvement, serve as a protective factor against child and adolescent pornography viewing (
Hardy, Steelman, Coyne and Ridge, 2013
). Religiousness protects against pornography viewing for several reasons. Religiousness contributes to a more conservative attitude toward viewing pornography, increased self-regulation, and social control against the use of pornography. Other factors protective against child and adolescent use of pornography include higher parent education, higher socioeconomic status, greater attachment to school, and healthier family relationships (Brown and L'Engle, 2009
; Mesch, 2009
).CONSEQUENCES
Concerns regarding child and adolescent use of pornography center around 3 basic themes: easy access to pornography, the content of the pornography, and the ability of a child or an adolescent to separate pornography fiction from sexuality and sexual relationship facts (
Wright and Štulhofer, 2019
). When considering possible effects of pornography exposure on the sexual beliefs and behaviors of children and adolescents, it is crucial to consider developmental factors. Children less than 7 or 8 years of age have difficulty differentiating between what is happening on screen and what is happening in real life (Collins et al., 2017
). To better understand how and what children learn about sexuality from pornography, it is crucial to consider the cognitive processing ability of the individual. Physical, socioemotional, and cognitive developmental states can affect the importance and processing of pornography viewing (Brown, Halpern and L'Engle, 2005
). The incomplete development of the child and adolescent brain may contribute to engaging in risky behaviors, which may, in turn, affect the extent to which pornography is sought and then, in turn, acted upon (Collins et al., 2017
). Child and adolescent brains are immature. Concern exists over their ability to process pornography and to understand the many ways that pornography sex and relationships differ, or should differ, from real-life sex and relationships (Baams et al., 2015
). Wright, 2011
proposed a theory to explain the socializing effect of pornography: the sexual script theory. Pornography can provide users with sexual scripts they were previously unaware of (acquisition), reinforce sexual scripts they were already aware of (activation), and by portraying the sexual behaviors as normative, appropriate, and rewarding, encourage the intellectual and behavioral use of sexual scripts (application).See Box 2 for possible consequences of child and adolescent pornography viewing. The primary concern related to pornography viewing in young children under the age of 12 years is the development of problem sexualized behaviors (PSB). PSB involves sexual knowledge beyond what would be expected for the child's age and developmental levels, such as children engaging in sophisticated sexual acts such as intercourse or oral sex (
Mesman et al., 2019
). Chaffin et al., 2008
states that these PSB in children less than 12 years of age are the result of several factors, including pornography viewing. PSB in young children has also been linked to trauma and violence, insufficient supervision, and impulse control problems (National Child Traumatic Stress Network 2009
). National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2009). Understanding and coping with sexual behavior problems in children: Information for parents and caregivers. Retrieved from https://ncsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//understanding_coping_with_sexual_behavior_problems.pdf
Dillard et al., 2019
found children less than 12 years of age who disclosed engaging in pornography viewing were at significantly higher odds of engaging in PSB when compared with their non–pornography exposed peers. Social learning theory provides a framework for understanding this phenomenon. Exposure to pornography at a young age not only introduces children to sexual behaviors but also reinforces the behaviors. Reinforcement occurs because of viewing depictions of rewards (pleasure) when engaging in sexual behaviors (Dillard et al., 2019
). Any link between PSB and adolescent sexually abusive behaviors is unclear, and the risk is considered to be low if the child receives proper mental health treatment (Chaffin et al., 2008
). However, children engaging in PSB and adolescents engaging in sexually abusive behaviors share common risk factors, including a history of child maltreatment (Yoder, Dilliard and Leibowitz, 2017
) and early exposure to pornography (Dillard et al., 2019
).BOX 2
Consequences of child and adolescent pornography viewing
Problem sexualized behaviors (children less than 12 years of age)
Early initiation of sexual activity
High-risk sexual behaviors
Sexual aggression
Gender role distortion
Objectification of women
Unrealistic expectations of sexual relationships
Brain changes
Develop Internet disorder (addiction)
Develop Internet pornography disorder
Note. Adapted from
Dillard et al., 2019
.The easy availability of Internet pornography coupled with an increasing interest in sex in children and adolescents leads to concerns that pornography viewing can become excessive, even addictive (
Tsitsika et al., 2009
; Ybarra and Mitchell, 2005
). Among other potential negative consequences, pornography viewing promotes sexual aggression, risky sexual practices, objectification of women, and hyper-gendered male and female stereotypes (Peter and Valkenburg, 2016
). The depictions of sex and relationships in pornography are concerning and promote the concept of impersonal, nonrelational sexual encounters (Peter and Valkenburg, 2016
; Wright and Donnerstein, 2014
).Matković, Cohen and Štulhofer, 2018
examined midadolescent use of pornography and its relationship to adolescent sexual activity. Over 1,000 Croatian adolescents participated in a 3-wave study and were surveyed regarding their use of pornography and their sexual activity 3 times at 1-year intervals. Participants were 16 years of age at baseline. The proportion of sexually active participants increased from 23% at baseline to 38.1% at wave 3 among male adolescents and from a baseline of 19.7% to 38.1% at wave 3 for adolescent females. Adolescent males who reported moderate to high pornography use and female adolescents who reported regular pornography use demonstrated a higher rate of sexual initiation. Viewing sensation-seeking pornography was also associated with sexual initiation in adolescent males.Internet pornography supports gender-stereotypic behaviors and roles (
Wright and Donnerstein, 2014
). Pornography typically portrays women as subordinate to men in workplace relationships (male executive, female secretary). Women submit to male sexual needs and appear most eager to pleasure them sexually. Pornography violates the traditional sexual script that sex should take place only between consenting adults in a married or a committed monogamous relationship (Wright and Donnerstein, 2014
). Internet pornography depicts sex as driven solely by pleasure seeking and not associated with love, affection, or a committed relationship. Risky sexual behaviors are depicted in Internet pornography with infrequent condom use, sex with multiple partners, extravaginal sex and ejaculation, and often sex with at least 3 partners simultaneously. Studies (Johansson and Hammaré, 2007
; Lo, Neilan, Sun and Chiang, 1999
; Rothman et al., 2012
) have indicated that adolescent exposure to pornography is associated with more alternative sexual attitudes and behaviors such as having casual sex, anal sex, oral sex, group sex, and high-risk sex (multiple partners and no condom use).Ybarra et al., 2011
examined the link between pornography use and sexually aggressive behaviors in adolescents. More than 3,000 children between the ages of 10 and 15 years were surveyed regarding their intentional pornography use, perpetration of sexual aggression (in-person sexual assault, technology-based sexual harassment, and solicitation), and sexual aggression victimization. Nearly one fourth (23%) of youth reported intentional exposure to pornography in the past, and 5% reported perpetrating sexually aggressive behavior. Less than 5% of teens reported exposure to sexually violent pornography. Youth who reported intentional exposure to pornography were 6.5 times more likely to report perpetration of sexually aggressive behaviors when compared with youth not reporting intentional pornography use. Youth reporting exposure to sexually violent pornography were 24 times more likely to perpetrate sexually aggressive behaviors in comparison with their non–pornography viewing peers. This increased likelihood of engaging in sexually aggressive behaviors was not gender-specific; both boys and girls viewing pornography, especially sexually violent pornography, were much more likely to engage in sexually aggressive behaviors.Studies of Internet pornography use by adults have solidified the knowledge that some individuals report a loss of control regarding their pornography use, accompanied by increasing pornography use and negative consequences in multiple areas of life such as academic, job functioning, and personal relationships (
Duffy, Dawson and das Nair, 2016
). The actual prevalence of Internet pornography disorder (IPD) in the adult population is impossible to estimate because there is no agreement on the diagnostic criteria (Laier and Brand, 2017
). It is important to note that IPD becomes a problem for only a small but significant number of individuals (Sniewski, Farvid and Carter, 2018
). There is a current argument among experts, on how to best classify addictive viewing of Internet pornography as a form of sex addiction (Kafka, 2014
) or a specific type of Internet addiction (Young, 2008
). Regardless of the classification, certain individuals appear to be at an increased risk of developing problematic pornography viewing. Individuals with underlying comorbidities such as depression or anxiety disorders (Laier and Brand, 2017
; Wood, 2011
), impulsivity (Grant and Chamberlain, 2015
), compulsivity (Wetterneck et al., 2012
), self-regulation deficits (Sirianni and Vishwanath, 2016
), and high levels of narcissism (Kasper, Short and Milam, 2015
) are particularly vulnerable to develop problems with their pornography use. It is important to note that the majority of individuals who seek treatment for IPD are Caucasian (Kraus et al., 2015
), believe their pornography use is a moral transgression (Grubbs, Volk, Exline and Pargament, 2015
), and report pornography exposure early in adolescence as well as participating in risky sexual behavior in adolescence (Doornwaard et al., 2016
). Alexandraki et al., 2018
in a longitudinal study of 648 adolescents at 16 years of age and then at 18 years of age found Internet pornography viewing to be a significant risk factor of the development of Internet addiction—the use of the Internet in a manner that is continuous and compulsive, resulting in negative consequences to everyday life. Evidence suggests that excessive and compulsive pornography use has effects on the brain similar to those seen in substance addictions, including a decline in working memory performance (Laier, Schulte and Brand, 2013
), neuroplasticity changes that reinforce use (Love et al., 2015
), and reduction in grey matter volume (Kühn and Gallinat, 2014
). Magnetic resonance scans in adults have shown the brain activity of individuals who are self-perceived pornography addicts are comparable to those with substance dependence (Gola et al., 2017
).IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
The use of technology by children, especially mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers, has dramatically increased in recent years.
Kabali et al., 2015
, in a study involving 0 to 4-year-olds recruited from a low-income clinic, stated that nearly all (96.6%) of the children had used a mobile device, 75% owned their device, andmost 2-year-olds used a mobile device regularly. It is a reality that the majority of pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) are providing care to children of all ages who are familiar with and often very sophisticated in regards to Internet technology.Internet pornography is readily available to American children and adolescents. Studies have revealed that viewing pornography can result in a variety of negative consequences for both children and adolescents. It is crucial that PNPs feel comfortable and knowledgeable in addressing the issue of pornography viewing with caregivers and children.
Rothman et al., 2017
studied parental reaction to their young children (less than 12 years of age) viewing pornography. Many parents in this sample of 279 reported feeling paralyzed, unsure of how to respond to their child, and fearful of the potential impact on their child. The majority of the children (76%) viewed pornography online, 13% in print, and 10% on television. Nearly one fourth (24%) of parents reported that they felt their child's pornography viewing was intentional. None of the parents reported that they found out about their child's pornography viewing because they asked the child about the viewing. Parents also stated that they would be in favor of their child's healthcare provider giving them guidance or pamphlets or directing them to other educational resources to assist them in better knowing how to talk to their children about pornography (Rothman et al., 2017
).PNPs must be poised to address the needs of parents and their children related to Internet pornography use. The first step in this process involves assessing child and adolescent use of online technology. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that pediatric health care providers ask adolescents and older children 2 technology-related questions at all well-child visits (
Council on Communications and Media 2010
): how much time do you spend on the Internet and online social media each day?; and do you have access to the Internet in your bedroom? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adolescents limit media use to less than 2 hours a day (Barkin et al., 2008
).PNPs must stress how important it is that parents talk with their children about what they are viewing online and whom they are talking to online andencourage their children to be open and honest regarding their online activities. It is also important that parents develop an Internet safety plan to reduce the likelihood of exposure to sexual material on the home computer and mobile devices. Preventive software including filtering, blocking, and monitoring software should be installed (
Ybarra, Finkelhor, Mitchell and Wolak, 2009
). Discuss with parents the importance of explaining to their child that they, as their parents, want to protect them from viewing content that is for adults only. Especially for young children, limit alone and unsupervised Internet use. Encourage Internet use in only public areas of the home. Caution parents that being too restrictive with older children and adolescents may lead them to be less open and honest regarding online behavior. Parents must also be cognizant of what they themselves are viewing online and protect their children from accessing any pornography or other adult content they may be viewing.Although an Internet safety plan is essential, total prevention of access to online pornography is virtually impossible. Providing anticipatory guidance regarding child and adolescents exposure to pornography is crucial. Encourage parents to talk with their children and adolescents in an age-appropriate manner about pornographic content and encourage children and adolescents to come to the parent if they ever see anything online that is confusing or disturbing to them. This will help protect them if they accidentally come across such content. Reinforce the need for parents to have age-appropriate discussions with children and adolescents about sex, sexuality, and intimacy. Building this open relationship between parent and child will make it easier for the child to come to the parent with sexual questions or curiosities. See Box 3 for online resources available for parents to assist them with discussing pornography with their children and protecting them from pornography viewing.
BOX 3
Online resources for parents
American Academy of Pediatrics 2018
:American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Children and media tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Children-and-Media-Tips.aspx
Prevent Child Abuse America 2019
:Prevent Child Abuse America (2019). Understanding the effects of pornography on children. Retrieved from https://preventchildabuse.org/resource/understanding-the-effects-of-pornography-on-children/
Australian Government Office of the eSafety Commissioner 2019
:Australian Government Office of the eSafety Commissioner (2019). Online pornography: A guide for parents and carers. Retrieved from https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/big-issues/online-pornography
Internet matters.org 2019
:Internet matters.org (2019). Helping children deal with exposure to online porn. Retrieved from https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/online-pornography/protect-your-child/
Screening children and adolescents for pornography viewing should be a routine aspect of pediatric health care. For children younger than 12 years of age, the anogenital exam, which should be a part of all well-child exams, offers an appropriate opportunity to ask a few screening questions. Anogenital exams should include education about the concept of private parts and what the child should do if private parts are touched, and asking if anything like that has ever happened to them (
Hornor, 2013
). Also ask if they have ever seen pictures, movies, or videos of people without their clothes on. If the answer is yes, explore. Ask where they viewed the images, what the people without their clothes on were doing, whether anyone show them the images, and whether they viewed the images once or more than one time. Children less than 12 years of age repeatedly seeking pornography viewing require referral to a mental health provider for further exploration of the behavior. For adolescents 12 years of age and older, a discussion of sexual activity should include an assessment of possible pornography viewing; if affirmative to viewing, try to determine frequency of viewing. It is important to discuss healthy sexual intimacy with pornography viewing adolescents and stress that what they are viewing in pornography does not depict typical real-life intimate relationships. Adolescents disclosing problematic pornography viewing (excessive, disrupting school, social, or family life) will also need intervention with a mental health specialist versed in addressing the concern. Familiarity with local mental health resources will assist the PNP with making the most appropriate mental health referral.Children under the age of 12 years engaging in PSB will need to be assessed for exposure to pornography and possible sexual abuse. A referral to child protective services is indicated to ensure the safety of the child. The child will need a forensic interview by an appropriately trained individual and a medical exam by an individual skilled in sexual abuse examinations. Knowledge of local resources is crucial. Depending on the chronicity and severity of the PSB, these children may also benefit from specialized mental health services, which include elements of trauma-informed care while also providing body education and safety.
Online pornography is readily available to American children and adolescents. Pornography viewing can result in a variety of adverse health consequences. PNPs should urge schools to provide comprehensive sex education programs that include principles of healthy intimate relationships as well as basic principles of Internet literacy (
Council on Communications and Media 2010
). PNPs should also encourage and participate in research into the effect of sexual contact in online media on children and adolescents. By participating in governmental advocacy, PNPs can lobby for the implementation of stricter Internet regulation to better control child and adolescent access to online pornography. Finally, PNPs can make immediate differences in the lives of children and adolescents by incorporating practice behaviors to better assess for pornography exposure and provide appropriate intervention as needed. Pornography viewing is indeed a pediatric health care problem, and PNPs must feel comfortable and confident in addressing the problem.Appendix B. Supplementary materials
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Australian Government Office of the eSafety Commissioner (2019). Online pornography: A guide for parents and carers. Retrieved from https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/big-issues/online-pornography
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Biography
Gail Hornor, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Center for Family Safety and Healing, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.
Article info
Footnotes
Conflicts of interest: None to report.
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Copyright
Copyright © 2019 by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
