The Use of Sexually Explicit Material and Its Relationship to Adolescent Sexual Activity

There is growing concern that sexually explicit material (SEM) may influence young people's sexual activity. The present study aimed to assess the longitudinal association between frequency of SEM use and adolescent sexual debut.

The present study used two independent panel samples of Croatian adolescents (with four and five data collection waves, respectively). We employed discrete-time event history approach and propensity matching score analysis to explore the target association.

A consistent lack of significant association between SEM use and sexual debut was observed among male adolescents. Among female adolescents, the findings were inconclusive. We also found some evidence for the role of timing of first exposure to SEM.

Our findings are relevant for educational and adolescent health specialists, as well as concerned parents. Considering that this study focused on middle adolescence, future research should address a potential link between SEM use and early sexual debut.