Reality of Sexed-Up Media

A study done by researchers at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill concluded that sexual explicit media does in fact influence teens to have sexual intercourse at an earlier age. But, doesn't it seem obvious that media today is one of the biggest influences of today especially to young minds?

According to the study teenagers between the ages 12 to 14 who use sexed up media are 2.2 times more likely than those who use a lesser amount of such media. They surveyed 1,017 black and white teens when they were 12 to 14 years-old. Then again two years later about the 4 types of media researched and sexual behavior during this time. Researchers analyzed sexual content in 308 different TV shows, songs, movies and magazines used often by the teens and then figured a measure of each teen's "sexual media diet."

If we looked back at the past couple of years to the present and just observe the music videos that teens watch and television shows watched, then look at how teens dress, talk and act researchers would not have to formally say that teens are influenced by media.

Dr. Jane D. Brown, a James L. Knight professor in UNC's School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the principal researcher of the study said, "Teens are defaulting to entertainment media for sexual information because they aren't getting this information in other places."

Another thing to realize is the fact that there is a generation of young Hollywood who is being pumped through media waves and what is reported about them on gossip and entertainment news programs also influences teens. But, now that scientific research has been done maybe some will feel that health class curriculum should be up graded for the year 2006-07 and rid the students of the tiresome 1980 after school special videos.

The Free Lance-Star published an opinion about the research and said: "There is however an antidote. The UNC study shows that parents are still major influences of teens. So, parents, flip off the tube, take earplugs out and talk. About sex. It's about time."

According to www.talkingwithkids.org studies show that kids who feel they can talk with their parents about sex - because their moms and dads speak openly and listen carefully to them - are less likely to engage in high-risk behavior as teens than kids who do not feel they can talk with their parents about the subject.

They also advise parents to talk to their kids early; even with a toddler while explaining other body parts make sure to point out the genitals.

The website also says discuss more than the "birds and the bees" because kids need to know other factors of sex.
According to www.talkingwithkids.org "By discussing the emotional aspect of a sexual relationship with your child, she will be better informed to make decisions later on and to resist peer pressure. If your child is a pre-teen, you need to include some message about the responsibilities and consequences of sexual activity. Conversations with 11 and 12-year-olds, for example, should include talks about unwanted pregnancy and how they can protect themselves."

It is about time that not just parents take the responsibility and authority back in talking about sex and controlling what is watched, read, and listened to, but also for those with the authority of what is pushed through the airwaves take the initiative to save the innocence of children and maybe show both sides of sex like the consequences, which are typically STD's and unwanted pregnancies. Parents should also note that the television doesn't explain some of the emotions that come with having sex and being involved in sexual activities. It will be tough but, the next generations need a model and the best model will be the parents.