Research Roundup

There has been an increase in the number of adolescents encountering and consuming pornography, and this exposure is concerning for parents, teachers and the public. In this American paper, Jhe et al (2023) note that in a sample of 1000 adolescents, 66% of males and 39% of females had watched online pornography.

Given the steady rise in pornography use among adolescents, it is probable that primary care providers will encounter it in clinical settings, making it necessary for them to play an active role in screening, conducting assessments and providing guidance. Jhe et al (2023) assert that having an unbiased understanding of the impact and function of pornography use in adolescents is central to providing support through their sexual development, and primary care providers are often the first point of contact when adolescents experience issues with wellbeing, including physical or mental health concerns.