Young people on sex and the internet

In its report 'See me – Young people on sex and the internet', the Swedish National Board for Youth Affairs has surveyed the experiences and attitudes of children and young people to sexual exposure and exploitation via interactive media.

Digital technology permeates the whole of modern society. Today's 25-year-olds have lived with the internet for more than half their lives, and issues surrounding young people, sex and the internet have received more and more attention in recent years.

But project leader Maria Nyman at the Swedish National Board for Youth Affairs is careful to point out that the vast majority of young people say they have never put out sexually provocative pictures of themselves.

'Young people are not without boundaries and don't upload pictures aimlessly. Ninety to ninety-five per cent say that they have never put out sexually provocative pictures on the internet or via a mobile phone. Most are conscious of the potential risks,' says Maria Nyman.

What is a sexually provocative picture – aren't there many different answers to that question?
'Yes, every person has their own interpretation of what is sexy. A picture can be interpreted as sexy by the viewer even if that was not the intention. We don't know how young people reasoned when they responded. It usually depends on the context.'

'Adults may well think that young people's pictures are sexualised to a greater extent than young people themselves think. We have tried to define the answer by asking, among other things, whether young people have sent pictures of themselves scantily clad. It's much easier to define what constitutes a sexual act on the internet, for example exposing oneself or masturbating in front of a webcam.'

Around 1.7 per cent of young people have sold sexual services
Around 1.7 per cent of young people report that they have at some time sold sexual services. These are mostly young people with problems in several areas of their lives. Many have a negative self-image and mental health problems, and they may exhibit inappropriate sexualised behaviour and have difficulty in setting boundaries.

The group is also characterised by relatively high exposure to threats and violence in the family and by consumption of alcohol and drugs. There is also a strong link between sexual abuse and involvement in the sale of sexual services at a later stage. Professionals who encounter young people who have been exploited on the internet confirm this picture, according to Maria Nyman:

'Adults must have the courage to raise questions about sexual exploitation on the internet in the same way as we raise questions about alcohol and drug abuse or depression. But today this is not being done systematically.'

'The internet is not dangerous in itself, it's just another place where young people are present,' Maria continues.

'But there are downsides to the internet, such as when young people receive unwelcome propositions. What we see is that there is a strong link between young people with serious problems in their lives and the sale of sex on the internet. But it's important to remember that not all young people are exposed. The important thing is to shed light on the consequences.'

...but just ask me...
Together with the Allmänna Barnhuset (General Children's Home) foundation, the Board has produced a guide on sexual exploitation in cooperation with experts in the area. This contains plenty of tips for youth workers on how to raise questions with young people, and how to deal with the answers.

Worth thinking about (in brief):

• If you suspect that a child or a young person is a victim of sexual exploitation, ask him or her about it. It's more important to have the courage to ask than to ask in exactly the right way.


• Respect the young person's own wishes as far as possible, but see that he or she gets help and that the exploitation is stopped.


• Think about where your responsibility lies. What is up to you and what should others take care of?


• Be clear with the young person about your role and what you will do with the information you receive.


• Don't ask the child or young person for details. In the case of a criminal offence it is up to the police to investigate exactly what has happened.


• If you suspect that a child under 18 years of age is being mistreated, report it to the social services. You can ring anonymously if you are unsure what to do.


• Follow up! Has the child or young person received the emergency protection and help he or she needs?