Rapport 23-01. Accès à la pornographie chez l'enfant et l'adolescent: conséquences et recommandations

The liberation of sexuality and access to pornography are now old phenomena that began in the 1970s–1980s. But it was the advent of new media and their generalization that made pornography accessible everywhere, easily and by everyone, including children. Alerted by the associative world, the High Authority for Health transmitted the referral to the Academy of Medicine by decision no. 2021.0245 of 09/23/2021. The working group proceeded with a review of the question and the hearing of personalities. The observation of this facilitated accessibility implies collectively questioning ourselves at three levels: 1, on the extent of the phenomenon among children and adolescents, particularly in France; 2, on the effects and consequences that this early exposure to pornography can have on children and adolescents, in particular on their future sexuality in terms of expectations, behaviors or relational dynamics; 3, on the measures that society should put in place to mitigate the consequences of these phenomena and protect children. The report addresses these three questions, identifies recent trends and problematic behaviors observed, and proposes recommendations.