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November 17, 2004
Exposure to Television Programs with Sexual Content Linked to
Adolescents Engaging in Sex Earlier
Findings of a study have shown that
adolescents who are exposed to programs with strong sexual content are more likely start
having sex. The goal of the study was to determine which factors increased the likelihood
of adolescents having sexual intercourse. Past studies have shown that adolescents who
have sex early are at a higher risk of receiving a sexually transmitted disease or
becoming pregnant. Two-thirds of all television shows have sexual content.
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Methods
Scientists examined the responses of 1792 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old who
participated in a telephone interview about sexual behavior and attitudes. One year later
subjects were interviewed again to measure their television viewing habits and sexual
experience. In the interview researchers also measured several factors which are normally
associated with adolescent sexual initiation.
Researchers used the data from the interviews as well a scientific analysis of TV sexual
content to derive measures of exposure to sexual content, depictions of sexual risks or
safety, and depictions of sexual behavior (versus talk about sex but no behavior.)
American teenagers on average watch three hours of television per day. 64% of all
television programming contain sexual content with an average of 4.4 scenes of sexually
related material. Programming containing sexual language is most common with 61% of
programs containing discussions of sex. Depictions of sexual acts are in 32% of all
television programs. 1 out of every 7 television shows contain depictions of sexual acts.
Results of the study indicated that children who were widely exposed to programs with
sexual content were more likely to start having sex and advance to other forms of non
coital activities within the following year. Subjects were equally as likely to engage in
sexual activities from exposure to programs that depicted sexual acts or only talked about
sex. African American children were less likely to initiate sex if they were exposed to
programs on sexual risks and safety.
Conclusions
Investigators concluded that exposure to sexually themed programs increases the likelihood
of adolescents having sex. Researchers recommended reducing the amount of sexual content
on television and reducing adolescent’s exposure to sexually themed shows.
Alternatively, investigators suggested that increased programming, which depicts the
negative effects of sexual activity, could reduce the initiation of coital activities in
adolescents. Researchers asserted that parents should discuss their beliefs and values
about sex while watching programs which contain sexual themes. Health care providers
should also promote discussion about sex with the parents of adolescents.
Complete findings of the study appear in PEDIATRICS Vol. 114 No. 3 September 2004
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