The sexually explicit information found on the Internet is often inaccurate and harmful. It can represent violence and the dehumanization of individuals in sexual scenes. According to experts, this type of information can form powerful, but false ideas about healthy sexuality. It often lacks descriptions of intimacy or the development of deep personal relationships. Rather, it encourages sexual acts without any emotional connection.

What are possible impacts of
overexposure to sexually explicit content?

• May begin to shape sexual values, attitudes and behaviours
• May prematurely sexualize children
• May incite them to experiment with sexually explicit behaviour
• May increase social acceptance of high risk behaviour
• May change expectations of relationships, physical appearance and behaviour
• May increase risk of victimization, as personal boundaries can be blurred
• May increase health risks (e.g. sexually transmitted diseases, exploitation)
• May increase risk of problematic sexual behaviour against other children
• May interfere with healthy sexual development