The experiences of Norwegian adolescents with online sexual messages

Abstract

Summary This report presents the findings about Norwegian adolescents’ experiences with sexual messages, including sending/ receiving such messages, and their feelings about those experiences, drawing on data collected in 2018 in the EU Kids Online project, with 1001 children aged 9 to 17. Only adolescents 11 to 17 were asked questions about sexual messages (n=790). Although the overall percentage of adolescents who receive sexual messages has increased (32% compared to 20% in 2010), a relatively low number of younger adolescents engage in sexual communication (7% for 11-12 year olds, no increase from 2010). Part of the sexual communication Norwegian adolescents experience is consensual and part of their exploration and sexual development; however, some of it is not. Almost 25% were upset about receiving sexual messages, most of them girls. Moreover, about the same percentage were asked to send sexual information about themselves when they did not want to. Several factors were put in connection with adolescents experiencing unwanted sexual solicitations, among which: digital skills, parental mediation, (adolescents’ perceptions of a supportive) family and school environment, and cyberbullying. The results show that different adolescents are impacted differently by different factors. Experiencing online aggression (cyberbullying) has the greatest impact on adolescents experiencing unwanted sexual communication, which indicates a pattern of vulnerability which migrates across different risks. Moreover, gender differences were apparent as well, with girls experiencing more protective effects from family and school environments, as well as due to increased digital skills (only older girls). However, the same factors were not relevant for boys in terms of experiencing fewer unwanted requests. In terms of practical implications, addressing toxic peer cultures which perpetuate bullying and victimisation is needed for children to experience positive environments both online and offline. Encouraging a supportive family environment, while important for all children, is particularly relevant for boys to be able to talk about their negative experiences