Rising Sexual Anxiety among Minors: Understanding the Impact of Mobile Porn and Changing Gender Norms on Treatment Seeking Behavior
The proliferation of porn on mobile phones and changing attitudes towards mental health have led to a significant increase in the number of minors seeking treatment for sexual anxiety in Western countries since the 2010s. This is according to a report by British pediatrician, Hilary Cass, who conducted an extensive investigation on the treatment of sexual anxiety in children and young people.
Interestingly, while in the past it was primarily men seeking medical means to correct their gender, nowadays the majority of minors seeking treatment for gender identity issues are teenage girls. Cass emphasizes the importance of understanding the reasons behind this trend in order to provide appropriate treatment for young people. She notes that for most individuals, treatment does not necessarily mean hormones or surgery, but rather a comprehensive approach that includes support and guidance.
One key finding of the report is the lack of robust evidence supporting the benefits of puberty blockers in alleviating gender anxiety in young people. Additionally, the report raises concerns about the long-term effects of hormonal treatments on mental and psychosexual development, fertility, and overall health. The report recommends a cautious approach to prescribing appearance-changing hormones to young people under the age of 18 and stresses the importance of closely monitoring their well-being throughout the treatment process.
The report also addresses the importance of considering mental health and social factors that may contribute to gender anxiety in young people. Factors such as online harassment, social media use, exposure to pornography, and societal pressure to conform to norms can all play a role in exacerbating gender anxiety. The report emphasizes individualized and holistic care for young people experiencing gender identity issues, taking into account their unique experiences and circumstances.
