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Reduce adolescent exposure to sexual content in the media

Health Factors: Sexual Activity
Decision Makers: Community Organizations, Government - Local, Government - State, Government - Federal, Individuals
Evidence Rating: Expert Opinion
Population Reach: 20-49% of WI's population
Impact on Disparities: Likely to increase disparities

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Description

Rating systems, parental advisories, and parental guidelines target television, radio, movies, magazines, and the internet in order to decrease either the overall amount of sexual content or adolescent's access to media with high sexual content.

Expected Beneficial Outcomes

Decreased risky sexual behavior

Evidence of Effectiveness

Reducing exposure to sexual content in the media is a suggested strategy to reduce risky sexual behavior among adolescents (Council on Communications and the Media 2010). Available research suggests an association between increased exposure to sexual content in the media and increased frequency of risky sexual behaviors (Brown 2006, Collins 2004, Chandra 2008, Collins 2011). However, additional evidence is needed to confirm causality and effects (Escobar-Chavez 2005).

Citations - Evidence

Brown 2006 - Brown JD, L’Engle KL, Pardun CJ, et al. Sexy media matter: Exposure to sexual content in music, movies, television, and magazines predicts black and white adolescents’ sexual behavior. Pediatrics. 2006;117(4):1018-27. Accessed on June 19, 2012
Webpage: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/117/4/1018.full.pdf+html. Accessed November 1, 2012
Chandra 2008 - Chandra A, Martino SC, Collins RL, et al. Does watching sex on television predict teen pregnancy? Findings from a national longitudinal survey of youth. Pediatrics. 2008;122(5):1047-54. Accessed on June 20, 2012
Webpage: http://www.pediatricsdigest.mobi/content/122/5/1047.full.pdf+html
Collins 2004 - Collins RL, Elliott MN, Berry SH, et al. Watching sex on television predicts adolescent initiation of sexual behavior. Pediatrics. 2004;114(3):e280-9. Accessed on June 19, 2012
Webpage: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/114/3/e280.full.pdf+html
Collins 2011* - Collins RL, Martino SC, Elliott MN, Miu A. Relationships between adolescent sexual outcomes and exposure to sex in media: Robustness to propensity-based analysis. Developmental Psychology. 2011;47(2):585-91. Accessed on June 19, 2012
Webpage: http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/dev/47/2/585/
Council on Communications and the Media 2010 - Council on Communications and the Media. Sexuality, contraception, and the media. Pediatrics. 2010;126(3):576-82. Accessed on June 25, 2012
Webpage: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/126/3/576.full.pdf+html
Escobar-Chavez 2005 - Escobar-Chaves SL, Tortolero SR, Markham CM, et al. Impact of the media on adolescent sexual attitudes and behaviors. Pediatrics. 2005;116(303):303-26. Accessed on June 19, 2012
Webpage: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/116/Supplement_1/303.full.pdf+html

* Journal subscription may be required for access.

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Health Factors

Health Behaviors
Tobacco Use
Diet & Exercise
Alcohol Use
Sexual Activity
 Clinical Care
Access to Care
Quality of Care
 Social & Economic Factors
Education
Employment
Income
Family & Social Support
Community Safety
 Physical Environment
Environmental Quality
Built Environment

Decision Makers

Businesses & Employers
Community Organizations
Government - Local
Government - State
Government - Federal
Healthcare Organizations
Individuals
Schools

Evidence Rating

Level of effectiveness based on a scan of academic literature and key recommendations of leading organizations.

  • Scientifically Supported Numerous studies or systematic review(s) with positive results
  • Some Evidence Research suggests positive impacts; further study may be warranted
  • Expert Opinion Recommended by credible groups*; research evidence limited
  • Insufficient Evidence Evidence limited or unavailable; further study warranted
  • Mixed Evidence Evidence mixed; further study warranted
  • Evidence of Ineffectiveness Research consistently shows program is detrimental or has no effect

Although many policies and programs are recommended by credible groups, we apply the rating ‘expert opinion’ only when policies are recommended but limited scientific evidence of effectiveness is available.

* The American Heritage Dictionary defines credible as 'capable of being believed; plausible.' and 'worthy of confidence; reliable.' To be considered an 'expert recommendation,' policies and programs must be recommended by one or more organizations that are recognized for their impartial expertise in the area of interest and have limited evidence available.

Potential Population Reach

Portion of Wisconsin's population likely to be reached by a policy or program if implemented statewide, based on its characteristics (e.g., target population(s), geographic limitations, and potential implementers).

<1%   20-49%
1-9%   50-99%
10-19%   100%

Potential Population Reach

Portion of Wisconsin's population likely to be reached by a policy or program if implemented statewide, based on its characteristics (e.g., target population(s), geographic limitations, and potential implementers).

<1%   20-49%
1-9%   50-99%
10-19%   100%

Potential Impact on Health Disparities

Likely impact of a given policy or program on racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic or other disparities in Wisconsin based on its characteristics (e.g., target audience, mode of delivery, etc.) and best available evidence related to disparities.

  • Likely to decrease disparities
  • No impact on disparities likely
  • Likely to increase disparities