The Gender Differential Effect of Pornographic Films on Adolescents Sexual Behaviour in Nigeria

1. The Gender Differential Effect of Pornographic Films on Adolescents Sexual Behaviour in Nigeria Gladys Effa-Heap 3rd African Conference on Sexual Health and Rights, Abuja, Nigeria, 4-7 February 2008.

2. Abstract • Examines the effect of pornographic films on adolescents sexual behaviour. • Questionnaire method used • 200 sample (secondary school, Ibadan) • Percentage, T.test, Chi square, ANOVA • 60% parent never discussed sex. 55% exposed to sex related articles. 25% sexually active.

3. Abstract • Both boys and girls prefer video porn. • Video porn had greater influence on male participants. • Television and video had same effect on sexual behaviour. • No relationship between socio-economic class and video utilization. • More boys than girls experienced higher sexual reaction after watching porn materials.

4. Introduction • Pornography which is defined as media materials used or intended to increase sexual arousal, by Mundorf et al [2007]. • Each media is known to have a varying degree of persuasive power. • As media like television, video and the internet reach ever large audiences and films becomes more sophisticated in their persuasive techniques, the question of how the media contributes to changing individual behaviour becomes relevant, especially among adolescents.

5. Methodology • Questionnaire method. • 200 adolescents (102 boys and 98 girls). • 15 – 20 year olds. • Secondary school students. • Percentage, Chi square, T-test and Analysis of variance.

6. Discussion • 60% never discussed sex with parents. • 55% exposed to sex materials (15% = ages 8-12yrs, 39% = 13- 16 yrs, 15% =17-20yrs). • 25% sexually active (first intercourse, 27% = before age 16). • Socio-economic background had no significant effect on video utilization. • Video was also found to be the most utilized method.

7. Discussion • Video was found to be the most preferred media for viewing pornographic materials. • No significant effect was found between television and video films on adolescents. • Video films had greater influence on adolescents males than other media.

8. Discussion • The hypothesis that states print media will influence female adolescents than any other media was refuted. • A comparison on sex behaviour of males and females revealed that males have a significant higher sexual reaction than females. • Other findings – pre-marital sex should not be encouraged, availability of contraceptive and in-depth sex education.

9. Conclusion • The teenage stage in life marks a period of increased curiosity and experimentation, and the ever increasing availability of pornographic materials helps in encouraging teenagers to be sexually active. • Involvement in unprotected sex in turn results in the increased number of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

10. Recommendations • Adolescents inclusion when planning interventions that affects them. • A system of censorship in place for the internet. • Tougher legislation on censorship and licensing. • In-depth sex education. • Better support for teenage mothers.

11. Recommendations • It is recommended that the Nigerian Government should enforce the legislation that prohibits children from viewing pornographic materials. • Finally, sex education and life-skills curriculum needs to be included in school timetables to increase awareness on sexual issues.