Are kids affected by the adult content on the television? New research reinforces the idea that sexual activity in adolescents is influenced by what they watch on TV.¹ 754 children aged 7 to 13 years were surveyed about television content. Five years later, the same group of participants was asked if they had engaged in sexual intercourse. The kids in the youngest age group-- aged 7 to 9-- appeared to be the most vulnerable to television and movie content. For every hour of adult programming that these kids watched, the risk of having sex within the next 5 years increased by 33%.

Other research has demonstrated that the media impacts the sexual behavior of older adolescents also. One study of 12- to 17-year olds showed that those who viewed more sexual content on TV were almost twice as likely to have sexual intercourse over the next year when compared to those who viewed less sexual content on TV. This association spanned the teenage years.²

So, how can a family counter the negative effects of the media? Parental monitoring of television, movies, and computer use is one of the most important ways. Removing computers and televisions from children's rooms is another way. By limiting and monitoring prime time television viewing, parents can greatly reduce their children's exposure to sexual content. Families can also foster healthy decision making by talking to their children about their values and expectations. Children and teens who know that their parents disapprove of teen sexual activity are less likely to initiate sex at an early age.^2,3 Furthermore, teens who talk to their parents about sex wait longer to have sex and also have fewer partners.⁴

By monitoring their children's media exposure and talking with them about sexual decisions, parents can positively guide their children toward the healthiest future.

References:
1. Delgado H, Austin SB, Rich M, Bickham D. Exposure to adult-targeted TV during childhood predicts earlier onset of first sexual intercourse. Abstract 4750.6. Presented at Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD, May 2-5, 2009. Available at: http://www.abstracts2view.com/pas/view.php?nu=PAS09L1_1947. Accessed: 2009 May 6.
2. Collins RL, Elliott MN, Berry SH, et al. Watching sex on television predicts adolescent initiation of sexual behavior. Pediatrics 2004;114(3):e280-9.
3. Brown JD, L'Engle KL, Pardun CJ, et al. Sexy media matter: exposure to sexual content in music, movies, television, and magazines predicts black and white adolescents' sexual behavior. Pediatrics 2006;117(4):1018-27.
4. Whitaker DJ, Miller KS. Parent-adolescent discussions about sex and condoms: impact on peer influences of sexual risk behavior. Journ Adolesc Res. 2000;15(2):251-73.

A recent survey of a nationally representative sample of 653 teens, aged 13 to 19, and 627 young adults, aged 20 to 26, compiles information on 'sexting.' ¹ Sexting means sending or posting sexually suggestive electronic messages and images.

The survey reported that one in five teens and one in three young adults have sent or posted semi-nude or nude images of themselves in cyberspace. Half of the teens and young adults have sent or posted sexually suggestive messages. This trend is surprising since nearly 3/4 of teens and young adults acknowledged that sending such images and messages "can have serious negative consequences." The most commonly listed negative consequences were regret (79%), potential embarrassment (73%), bad reputation (69%), and disappointing family (57%).

Although most survey participants agreed that sending sexual messages and images could have a negative social influence, could it also impact their behavior? A majority of teens and young adults thought that sexting would get attention from a guy/girl they liked. About 3/4 of such messages or pictures had been sent to a girlfriend or boyfriend; most recipients admitted they were "turned on" by such messages. About 40% of the respondents said that people who exchange sexual messages and images are more likely to date or hook up with each other in real life, and over a quarter of them said that dating or hooking up would be "expected" after sexting.

Sexting has already been associated with harassment, lawsuits, and at least one suicide.² It may also increase the expectation of sexual activity.¹ Considering the potential consequences of sexting and its prevalence amongst teens, parents should be prepared to talk to their kids about it. Parents should ask their kids if they or any of their friends engage in sexting and then use the discussion to communicate their expectations for cell phone and computer use. Parents should clearly communicate to their children that anything posted online is "out there" permanently. Parents should also monitor their children's use of social networking sites, like MySpace or Facebook, by joining their child's online network. By setting limits on the use of computers and cell phones and discussing the pitfalls of sexting, parents can help guide their children to safe and healthy decisions.

References:
1. National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. Sex and tech: results from a survey of teens and young adults. Washington, D.C: National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 2008. Available at: http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/sextech/PDF/SexTech_Summary.pdf. Accessed: 2009 May 26.
2. Hewitt B, Driscoll A. The dangers of 'sexting'. People March 30, 2009;71(12):111-2. Available at: http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20271181,00.html. Accessed: 2009 May 27.

The Medical Institute, in partnership with World Vision Inc., held its second Building Family Connections (BFC) Curriculum Training in Dallas, TX on April 28-30, 2009. A total of 41 trainers were trained and certified to teach the BFC curriculum to parents and parenting adults in their communities. For the first time, selected training sessions were available in Spanish. At the end of the training, participants expressed their appreciation for the wealth of information they received and were excited about hosting the course in their communities.

BFC reminds parents that they are most influential in their child's sexual decision making. This dynamic course equips parents with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to talk with their children about adolescent development, sexual health, abstinence, decision making, and forming healthy relationships. During the course, parents learn about the importance of parent-child connectedness and open communication. They have an opportunity to practice their communication skills for issues adolescents face today, especially those related to teen brain development, peer pressure, and risk behaviors.

Certified BFC trainers are hosting courses for parenting adults across the country. You can find out more about the program and look for courses in your area by visiting our website at www.buildingfamilyconnections.org. If you are interested in hosting a BFC Curriculum Training for your staff or constituents or would like to become a certified BFC trainer, please contact the Program Director Diane Santa Maria at dsantamaria@medinstitute.org or 281-216-3048.