Adolescents lack perspective on pornographic images and make comparisons with their sex life, hence the importance of dialoguing with them, without making them feel guilty.
90% of adolescents have seen pornographic images or films, but they do not have the necessary perspective to differentiate with “real” life. Talking about sex in general is a good way to approach pornography next. When you are an adult, watching movies occasionally can rekindle fantasies and stimulate desire. On the other hand, when watching movies count more than the pleasure exchanged with one’s partner, it can lead to addiction. And in this case, it is better to consult.
Interview with Dr Sylvain Mimoun, gynecologist and specialist in sexuality (1).
Dr Sylvain Mimoun: Pornography always has an impact on individuals and young people in particular. And the particularity of young people is that they do not have the necessary distance in the face of real life. And if we take at face value what we see in films, then we can be out of step with reality. Overall, I am not distraught and I wouldn’t want to panic parents if their teenagers have seen movies. This can influence them positively or negatively, distress them, worry them… and therefore lead to questions. The role of an adult and parents is to play down things. You should not “yell” the teenager for watching this kind of film. Like it or not, teens will see them. All surveys show that 85% or even 90% of teens or pre-teens have seen pornographic movies or images. It’s part of life.
What can be the consequences on their sexuality?
Dr Sylvain Mimoun : There may be a risk of worry or even anxiety about this sexuality. The questions boys ask themselves is that they will never be as good as in the movie, that they find their sex smaller compared to what they see, and the girls think that they do not. can not react as quickly as in the movies. We must not forget that a pornographic film has only one function: to excite the one who watches it. People used to seeing porn movies can tell themselves that ultimately there was no life in it, that it was only gymnastics (we changed poses or partners) and mechanics. If a young person who is discovering “life” stumbles upon a porn film, then it is better that he skips quickly.
Can these images disturb a young child in her future sex life?
Dr Sylvain Mimoun : In my opinion, we should not panic, but if a teenager or pre-teen has questions or changes his attitude, for example if he is rather smiling or talkative and becomes taciturn, isolate himself in her world, don’t ask any more questions… parents have to tell themselves that something is wrong, and they won’t necessarily think of porn movies. In this case, parents must surround the child, talk to him or get him to discuss it with someone else, play down things and reassure him.
Interview with Sandrine Chauvard
(1) Author of several books, including “heart side, sex side: the ABC of happiness for two”, co-written with Rica Etienne and published by Albin Michel editions.
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