This study found indications that cybersexual violence victimization (CVV) and porn use may be associated with risky sexual behaviors for some adolescents.
The current study, which sought to investigate the association between two potential risk factors and three sexual risk behavior outcomes, found indications that cybersexual violence victimization (CVV) and porn use may be associated with risky sexual behaviors for some adolescents. The researchers examined how experiencing and using pornography during early adolescence was associated with condom use, birth control use, and use of alcohol and drugs before sex among U.S. high school students (n = 974). Additionally, the authors explored multiple forms of adult support as potential protective factors of sexual risk behaviors. Parental monitoring and support from adults at school may be two ways to support healthy adolescent sexual development. Among adolescents, engagement in risky sexual behavior is an important public health concern. Research has begun to explore the impact of adolescents’ online experiences with respect to their social and behavioral health as approximately 95% of adolescents have access to a smartphone connected to the internet. However, little research has specifically examined how online experiences impact sexual risk behaviors among adolescence. (Published Abstract Provided)