The harm in childhood exposure to sexually explicit materials

Research shows that approximately 20% of children are exposed daily to inappropriate sexual activity in their homes.  Remember, research can only state what has been reported.  Some experts in the field of sexual abuse feel the number is 50% or higher.  

What is considered a sexually inappropriate activity? Sexually inappropriate activities include seeing sexual acts in person, in magazines, or online. Consider explicit pop-up ads on a free game, videos showcasing children’s cartoon characters in adult situations, or a forum promoting self-harm. Innocent searches can expose children to content that can make them feel upset and confused. Add in pornography that may be on an adult's phone or computer.

Sexual abuse/molestation and gestures are also included in inappropriate sexual activity. 

Did you know that 56% of children ages 11-16 have seen explicit material online from their homes or a friend's home?

Did you know that children who display inappropriate sexual behavior are most likely abused?  Studies of young children with sexual behavior problems suggest that 45% to 80% have been sexually victimized (Kendall-Tackett, Meyer Williams, and Finkelhor, 1993). Research also suggests that the younger the child who engages in problematic sexual behaviors, the more likely the child is to have experienced sexual abuse (Kendall-Tackett, Meyer Williams, and Finkelhor, 1993).

However, sexual abuse is not the only precursor to a child displaying problematic sexual behaviors. Children can engage in atypical sexual behaviors for a range of reasons, including being victims of sexual abuse, experiencing physical or emotional maltreatment such as neglect or abandonment, exposure to family violence, exposure to sexuality and sexual behavior in the media, and other causes (Friedrich, 2001, 2003; Friedrich, Davies, Feher, and Wright, 2003; Schwartz, Cavanaugh, Pimental, and Prentky, 2006). 

While upwards of 95% of adolescents and adults who sexually offend are male (OJDDP, Juvenile Justice Bulletin, Deember 2009; Greenfeld, 1997), 65% of preschool children with sexual behavior problems are female (Silovsky and Niec, 2002).

Compared to adults who sexually offend, children with sexual behavior problems are more likely to engage in impulsive sexual activity rather than well-planned or rationalized acts. The failure of children to empathize with their victims in these situations may not be pathological but merely a product of their stage of development.

Differences also exist between very young (ages nine and younger) and older (ages 10-12) children. In general, the younger the child, the more limited their cognitive development and their repertoire of coping strategies. For example, some small children may use masturbation as a self-soothing strategy during times of stress (Silovsky and Bonner, 2003). 

Most of these events occur in the child's home or a relative's home. These events are generational, and the trauma continues.  Understanding all the layers of #familycults and the dysfunctional toxicity they continue to raise children in is destructive and damaging.  Once we know this is happening, from my perspective, it is up to us to educate ourselves, heal ourselves, and protect all children. 

#familycult #dysfunctionalfamilies #unspokenrules #financialboundaries #narcissisticpatterns #boundaries #codependency #enmeshment #selfworth #resucuing #unhealthyrelationships #familypatterns #gaslighting