Numerous underage individuals and youths in Germany have encountered pornographic material or engaged in sexting activities.
"Children and teenagers in Germany often encounter pornography or engage in sexting, as per a survey. Approximately 42% of the 3,000 participants aged 11 to 17 nationwide indicated they've watched an adult film, according to the state-representative poll conducted by the North Rhine-Westphalia media authority. This figure has risen from last year's 35%. Alarmingly, this surge is mostly among the youngest group - those aged 11 to 13."
Pornography isn't typically suitable for minors. Nevertheless, today's youth encounter it prematurely, and concerningly, they're not just consuming it but also producing and distributing explicit content themselves, as mentioned by the media authority. The practice of sexting is prevalent: 25% of the respondents admitted to receiving sexually explicit messages, naked images, videos, or even suggestive emojis.
This can be challenging for parents and teachers to comprehend how effortlessly children and young adults can access and share such content online, stated director Tobias Schmidt. "But the survey underscores this reality: this is happening. We're tasked with safeguarding minors." Typically, the first encounter with such content is unintentional or occurs by accident.
Despite the age-restrictions, the unfortunate reality is that children often stumble upon such content accidentally. In an alarming trend, some children are even attempting to recreate scenes from these round films in their own lives.
