Sexual favors as merchandise among very young Danish teenagers

Abstract

The findings of Ravn et al. in the article published in this issue of DJOG, “Exchanging intimacy for favors and nude photos among ninth graders”, are quite shocking to an experienced worker in sexual and reproductive health and rights, such as myself.

In our sexual education and contraceptive guidance used in Denmark we have moved far from the evidence-based and factual deliverance of knowledge on the body, on puberty, development of eggs and sperm, fertilization, menstrual cycles, the appearance and function of the sexual organs, to the emotional issues concerning

sexuality. We have emphasized the importance of being ready, not giving in to external pressures, for example when it comes to starting sexual experiences, or having your first partnership time with whatever sexual practice you encounter.

We have also pointed out how the undertaking of any sexual action must be preceded by the private consideration: “Am I ready for this?”, Do I want this?”, “Do I consent to this?”, Is this my desire or do I feel an outside pressure to do this?”. This pertains to oral sex, touching and manual stimulation, vaginal and rectal intercourse. No matter what kind of sexual activity it might be, it always calls for the individual to make up his or her own mind as to “Where are my boundaries here?” What do I want?” What do I consent to?”, What am I doing?”.

The article by Ravn et al. describes scenarios where the taking of nude pictures and the selling of sexual services are part of the sexual activities for quite a few of young Danish teenagers to an extent that means that we have to take that into account when dealing with sexual health and rights education at a young age and even later in life.

We have entered into a life situation where it is common to continuously take pictures of everything with our smartphones. That apparently includes pictures of our private parts with the article showing that 53% of the ninth’s graders had received and 12% had sent nude pictures on their phones. But the study does not tell us why. Are the youngsters showing off? Are they being pressured by their peers or by someone else? Are they thinking of the consequences? [abbreviated]