The New Sex Educator? Online Sexual Content and Today’s Youth (

Online sexual content is more accessible and pervasive than ever before, and children and teens are increasingly using the internet to learn about sex and experience sexual content. In this #AskTheExperts webinar, our distinguished panel discussed how online sexual content shapes youth perceptions of sex, relationships, and sexual health and safety. Panelists provided numerous tips for navigating this tricky topic with children in an age-appropriate way that will help keep them safe, informed, and healthy.
[00:10] Introduction
Kris Perry, MSW, Executive Director of Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, introduces the webinar and panel moderator, Carolyn West, PhD, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Washington, Tacoma, an award-winning author, and a leading expert on domestic violence, sexualization of women in media, and the study of pornography. Dr. West briefly discusses the challenges of the current media landscape with respect to online sexual content.
[03:40] Jennifer Stevens Aubrey, PhD
Jennifer Stevens Aubrey, PhD, Professor of Communication at the University of Arizona and expert on sexual content in traditional media, speaks on sexual content in mainstream media and its effects on adolescent health and development. Dr. Aubrey details the results of her decades of research using content analyses to understand what messages are contained in media , and leverages these insights to provide actionable tips for parents attempting to navigate these issues with their children.
[20:17] Debby Herbenick, PhD, MPH
Debby Herbenick, PhD, MPH, Provost Professor at Indiana University School of Public Health - Bloomington and long-time researcher on human sexuality, media, and education, discusses emerging sexual practices portrayed in both pornography and across social media, particularly sexual “choking.” Dr. Herbenick emphasizes what parents and professionals need to know to help youth develop healthy sexual lives and risky sexual behaviors that may cause mental and physical harm.
[37:14] Elizabeth Englander, PhD
Elizabeth Englander, PhD, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University, discusses how emerging AI technologies are reshaping the landscape of online sexual content. She explores how AI is being used to generate new types of online sexual content, as well as the use of AI companions and other tools in romantic and sexual relationships. Dr. Englander discusses the problem of AI-generated deep fakes in detail, providing tips for families and teens to keep their images safe.
[53:37] Amy Lang, MA
Amy Lang, MA, founder of Birds and Bees and Kids and renowned sex educator, speaks about how to talk to your kids about sex and pornography in the age of the internet. She suggests appropriate ways to discuss these issues with children of different ages, as well as steps that empower parents and children alike to make good choices and keep themselves and their families safe and healthy when online sexual content is so pervasive.
[01:06:55] Q&A
Dr. Carolyn West invites all panelists back to answer questions from the live audience. Panelists speak to sexualized content in video games, how to effectively use blocking software and filters to keep online sexual content away from kids. They also describe how to get past the feeling that you’re the only family restricting kids’ access to the internet, as well as unique approaches that may work for neurodiverse youth or any child that feels a bit different compared to how typical kids feel and engage with online sexual content.
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