The Detrimental Impact of Early Childhood Exposure to Pornography

As pornography continues to become more easily and readily accessible, children are at higher risk of viewing it. This work aims to investigate the destructive impact of premature exposure to pornography, and the negative perceptions of sex and decision-making towards it as a result. The operational definition used defines “early exposure” as prepubescents (children of elementary-grade school ages) viewing explicit material through involuntary and accidental initial engagement, and “decision-making” as moral agency and choice of response and action. The populations searched focused more on American culture and its lens on sex and pornography, with the incorporation of other cultural frameworks (European influences and findings gathered from an Australian school system) to further provide global insight and international concurrence on this alarming issue. Findings demonstrated strong associations from premature exposure impairing a youth’s neurological, mental, psychological, and social health, impeding proper development in these vital areas. Data collected confirmed an increased likelihood of negative self outlook and interpersonal interactions, risky behaviors, addictions, self harm, and suicidality resulting from early exposure to explicit content. Conclusion of this work entails awareness and preventive measures to protect youth and ensure safety during their development. Keywords: early exposure to pornography, pornography and sexual abuse, pornography and sexual trauma, childhood trauma and pornography, ACE and pornography