Teen Pornography: Risks to Mental and Physical Health

In the digital age, access to pornographic content is easier than ever, especially for teenagers, who are exposed to this type of material at increasingly younger ages. According to Save the Children, 70% of teenagers frequently consume pornography, and the average age at which they first discover it is 12.

Although sexuality is a natural part of human development, frequent consumption of pornography during adolescence can have negative effects on the mental, emotional, and physical health of some young people. Various studies indicate that this type of content can influence how they perceive sexuality, generating unrealistic expectations about intimate relationships, the human body, and consent. In some cases, it has been associated with anxiety, low self-esteem, risky sexual behaviors, or difficulties forming healthy relationships, although not all adolescents experience these effects.

With extensive experience working with young people, Dr. Blanca Estela Barcelata Eguiarte, a professor at the Faculty of Higher Studies in Zaragoza, spoke with us at UNAM Global to delve deeper into the potential impacts that pornography can have on adolescents’ mental and physical health. She also offers alternatives for parents and schools to address this issue, which is a topic they cannot ignore.

Distortion of reality

Dr. Barcelata Eguiarte noted that pornography can create several challenges for adolescents’ emotional health, including:

• Emotional dysregulation: Some young people may become dependent on pornographic stimuli to achieve sexual arousal, making it difficult to achieve the same response without these stimuli.
• Dysfunctional sexual expectations and practices: Pornography fosters unrealistic expectations about sexual relationships and intimacy. It presents a distorted view, focused on immediate gratification and the objectification of people, which can distort understanding of relationships and mutual respect.
• Unhealthy interpersonal relationships: Teenagers frequently exposed to pornography may have difficulty developing genuine intimate relationships, as their expectations are influenced by what they see in this content. This can result in problems connecting emotionally with others and establishing relationships based on respect and communication.

Pornography can also affect some young people’s self-esteem, generating anxiety and contributing to bouts of sadness or frustration. Comparing themselves to pornographic actors can create a disconnect from reality and generate unnecessary pressures, such as feeling like they “don’t last long enough,” that their partner isn’t stimulating them enough, or that their bodies don’t resemble those of the actors.

The pleasure is lost

From a physical perspective, pornography can influence several aspects of sexual development, such as:

• Altered sexual response: During adolescence, the body is constantly developing. Frequent exposure to pornographic material can alter the way a teenager experiences arousal and actual sexual relations. This could lead to arousal difficulties, such as erection problems in men or lubrication problems in women, as the brain becomes accustomed to intense visual stimuli.
• Problematic or compulsive use: Excessive pornography use can lead to compulsive use, which interferes with daily life, studies, or social relationships. Although the term “pornography addiction” is debated in the scientific community, it is recognized that excessive use can cause emotional distress or interfere with other important areas of life.

It affects the increase in STIs in young people

According to the US organization Promoting Victim Awareness and Empowerment (PAVE), only 17% of actors and actresses in heterosexual pornographic videos used condoms in 2023. Although this figure has improved compared to 2009, when it was just 3%, the lack of protection in the pornography industry can generate confusing messages about condom use.

On the other hand, it has been identified that these representations could influence some young people’s decisions regarding the use of protection. A 2024 World Health Organization report revealed that almost a third of 15-year-old boys (30%) admitted to not having used a condom or any contraceptive during their last sexual encounter. Although multiple factors are involved, such as education, access to health services, and cultural norms, Dr. Barcelata Eguiarte noted that pornography can contribute to normalizing unprotected and irresponsible sexual practices, which could also explain the increase in unplanned pregnancies.

Tips for parents and schools

It is crucial to address the issue of pornography among adolescents, both at school and at home. Dr. Barcelata Eguiarte emphasized that it is a sensitive but necessary topic to help young people develop a healthy view of sexuality, avoid distortions, and manage the difficulties arising from accessing this type of content.

“Sex education in schools should not be limited to contraceptive methods but also include clear information about the risks of pornography. In families, it’s important to break down taboos and myths about sexuality, encouraging open and thoughtful dialogue about this topic and the content young people consume on their electronic devices,” she commented.

The impact of pornography use in adolescence is complex and can vary widely among individuals. Parents and educators should be informed and prepared to address this topic openly and educationally, providing adolescents with tools to understand the associated risks and fostering a realistic and healthy view of sexuality. With the right approach, it is possible to help young people navigate consciously in a challenging digital environment, promoting their overall well-being.