Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Health, Human Performance and Recreation

Advisor/Mentor

Davis, Robert

Committee Member

Casey, Kim

Abstract

Background: Adolescents increasingly encounter sexually explicit material (SEM) through digital media, often before receiving formal instruction about sexuality, relationships, or consent. This early and unmediated exposure has prompted growing interest in pornography literacy as a necessary component of comprehensive sex education (CSE). Purpose: This literature review synthesizes empirical research published between 2015 and 2025 examining pornography literacy pedagogy, its implementation within CSE, and its documented impacts on adolescent knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Methods: The University of Arkansas’s OneSearch served as the primary search engine, drawing from major academic databases including ProQuest, PubMed, Web of Science, JSTOR, and EBSCOhost. Search terms included the keywords pornography literacy, sexually explicit material, sex education pedagogy, and combinations of these terms. To be eligible for inclusion, articles must be published between 2015 and 2025, peer‑reviewed, focused on SEM within CSE contexts, written primarily in English, and present original empirical research rather than review articles. A total of 643 articles met the initial keyword criteria, with 31 included in the final review after applying the full set of inclusion requirements to abstracts. Results: Findings indicate that pornography literacy interventions, whether delivered in person or online, improve students’ critical thinking skills, reduce endorsement of harmful sexual scripts, and enhance their ability to contextualize SEM within broader media and relational frameworks. Harm‑reduction approaches consistently outperformed abstinence‑based messaging, supporting students’ capacity for informed decision‑making and media analysis. Across studies, educator preparedness emerged as a key determinant of program effectiveness, with professional development improving confidence, boundary‑setting, and responsiveness to student disclosures. Institutional barriers, including restrictive policies and cultural resistance, continue to limit implementation. Discussion: Overall, the evidence suggests that integrating pornography literacy into CSE is essential for addressing adolescents’ digital realities and promoting healthier, more informed sexual development. This review highlights the need for continued research on culturally responsive pedagogies, long‑term outcomes, and the experiences of diverse youth populations.

Keywords

Pornography Literacy, Sexually Explicit Material, Sex Education Pedagogy

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