Navigating the Intersection of Digital Access and Sexual Behavior Among Cambodian Youth
A groundbreaking study that explores the complex relationship between access to pornography and harmful sexual behaviors among children and youth in Cambodia.
In today's digital age, young people in Cambodia are increasingly exposed to pornography, raising concerns about its potential impact on their sexual attitudes and behaviors. Building on the pioneering work of Glenn Miles and the later practitioner-focused research of Davis, Nong, and Hilton, a new pilot study led by Alastair Hilton and the up! Collective delves into the complex relationship between access to pornography (A2P) and harmful sexual behaviors (HSB) among children and youth in Cambodia.
The study comes at a critical time, as traditional Cambodian values and gender norms intersect with rapid modernization and digital transformation. While previous research suggests that exposure to sexually explicit content can influence young people's sexual development, the unique dynamics and challenges in the Cambodian context remain largely unexplored.
To fill this knowledge gap, the researchers employed a mixed-methods approach, combining online surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory workshops. They engaged a diverse range of participants, including service providers working with at-risk youth, child protection staff, and young people themselves. The online survey gathered data on service providers' awareness, attitudes, and experiences related to A2P and HSB, while interviews delved deeper into their perceptions of causes, vulnerability, impacts, and organizational responses. Focus group discussions with youth explored sensitive topics such as motivations for accessing pornography and its perceived impacts on self and others.
Recognizing the limitations of translating English terminology into Khmer, the study also included a language and terminology workshop to ensure that the research was grounded in local knowledge and accessible to participants. This collaborative and reflective approach aims to generate context-specific insights that can inform the development of culturally relevant prevention and intervention strategies.
By understanding the lived experiences and perspectives of Cambodian children and youth, as well as those who work with them, the study seeks to address the pressing need for effective solutions to the growing concerns surrounding A2P and HSB. As part of a larger 3-5 year research project, this study builds upon the legacy of Glenn Miles' work and demonstrates the up! Collective's ongoing commitment to protecting and empowering Cambodia's young people in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
The up! Collective is currently seeking funding and collaborative partners to support this important research. If you are interested in contributing to this vital work, please reach out to Alastair Hilton at alastair@up-collective.org.
