Teenagers admit exposure to porn

Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

For many urban teenagers, pornography is not a new thing. Most participants at a teen discussion admitted they had been exposed to pornography by watching x-rated VCDs, reading erotic books or browsing pornographic sites on the Internet.

"I couldn't say no to my friends' invitation (to watch porn movies). They said it would teach me how to have sex when I'm married," said one female high school student.

Another student said that sometimes he was not able to stop himself from relieving his sexual urge after reading erotic stories, watching x-rated VCDs or browsing pornographic sites.

"What am I supposed to do? I can't completely avoid pornography," he asked psychologist Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono, the keynote speaker at the discussion.

The topic for Wednesday's discussion, which is regularly held by the Indonesian AIDS Foundation, was teenagers' opinions on pornography.

Sarlito responded that it was not wrong for him to feel that way and it was completely normal.

The psychologist then suggested that teenagers control their sexual desire by reconsidering their own values about sex, religion and society's norms.

"However, if you can't control your urge, use a condom," Sarlito said, explaining to participants how a condom could prevent sexual transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy.

Pornography is easily accessible through VCDs, books and Internet websites, which can be browsed for free.

No regulations prevent teenagers from exploring the subject, he said, and they have an inquisitive nature about many things, including pornography.

Many generations have dealt with the problem of pornography, Sarlito said. Therefore, the best way to avoid its negative effects was with proper information on sex, he said.

He explained that pornography intends to cause sexual excitement. However, it was not easy to separate the term from art, he remarked.

"It depends on your values. Some people think a nude painting is a form of pornography, while others think it is art," Sarlito said.

He said banning pornography would not solve the problem because it would only make teenagers more curious and provoke them to find x-rated material.

He called upon parents and teachers to provide proper information on sex to teenagers.

"I am worried teenagers will get the wrong information about sex from questionable sources. It would be better if we gave them the straight facts about sex," he said.