Adolescents’ exposure to explicit sexual content on digital media: a quantitative, cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT This study explores adolescents’ exposure to explicit sexual content on digital media and identifies key socio-demographic and familial factors that influence such exposure. Although adolescents’ screen media use has been broadly studied, little attention has been paid to the consumption of sexually explicit screen media content, especially in low- and middle-income contexts where access to digital media technologies is increasing. The current study surveyed 720 adolescents, aged 14–19 from 56 private high schools using a questionnaire (reliability Cronbach’s α = 0.932). Statistical analyses included non-parametric tests and the Generalized Ordinal Logistic Regression Model. Findings indicate that exposure to such content increased with age and grade level. Gender variations and religiosity also demonstrated a significant association with exposure to this content (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the need for media literacy initiatives that extend beyond simple awareness, such as training adolescents in critical content evaluation skills and responsible media use.