Virtual sexuality of the Tunisian teenagers

Abstract

Introduction

The digital boom and the media coverage of the sexuality urge the youngest to expose itself more and more via the social networks and other digital applications.

Aims/objective

To explore the virtual sexuality of the Tunisian teenagers.

Methods

It's a cross-sectional study made in August 2015, including 104 Tunisian teenagers from different social backgrounds and living in Tunis, chosen aimlessly. An auto-railing drafted in Arabic, anonymous and carrying on various items was distributed.

Results

We included 52 boys and 52 girls. Seven of them (6.1%) was not schooled and 68.3% (n = 71) were at high school. Ninety-one of the teenagers (87.5%) reported not have sexual education at school and 74% (n = 77) have already turned to web sites to inquire about sexuality. A regular practice of cybersex at the rate of at least once a week, was founded at 36.5% (n = 36) and 41 teenagers (39.4%) have reported to have already undressed in front of their webcam. The candidates have already consulted a pornographic site at least once in their life in 76.9% (n = 80) of the cases. The allocated time for these virtual activities is made to the detriment of the sleep in 75% of the cases (n = 27). The connection was accompanied with a masturbatory activity in 38.9% (n = 14).

Conclusion

Contrary to preconceived ideas, the computer screen does not protect from sexual risk behaviors. Therefore, a sexual education for the youngest is more than ever necessary to avoid such drift.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.