I asked the boys, about 40 of them, aged from 16-18 if they'd ever watched Media, and they all laughed.
'Shall I take that as a yes?' I asked, and there were further chuckles and nodding heads all round.
You see, as the school nurse, I'd been asked to talk to the senior boys about 'sex and all that sort of stuff.' With such vague guidelines, I chose to talk about an area that has been coming an ever increasing concern.
'Do you like it?' I asked, and no one said outright they liked it.
'Do you think it's healthy or harmful?' They all said it's harmless, because the participants were consenting adults. So I asked them what's their favorite type of Media, and the answers were varied, although hot young blondes, and horny teens topped the list of favorites.
'Was that 'horny teen' legal?' I asked, and the laughter died away. They'd never thought of that before, they'd also never thought of sex-slavery, but now wasn't the right time to talk about that, as I felt they would stop listening if I started lecturing.
Although Ivan, one of the Russian lads raised his hand in protest. 'But sir, I only watch **** Media.' The room erupted, and the merits of **** Media were briefly discussed. I decided to get personal.
I asked them to raise their if they wanted to get married and have kids one day, and they all raised their hands.
'So what age is it okay for your son to watch Media?' They paused, giving it serious thought, before generally deciding that around 14yrs old is good.
'And what age is it okay for your daughter to watch Media?' I was greeted with silence.
No one wanted their daughter to ever watch Media, because deep inside of them, they know Media is not good, and they know it is degrading to women, regardless of consent.
We talked about other things, from relationship to STD's, but only briefly, because there's only so much you can teach them in one-off, one hour session.
But I wasn't there to lecture them, but hopefully to get them to think.
Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.
Regarding the OP's posts....
I just watched Rashida Jone's documentary "Hot Girls Wanted' about the pro-amateur Media industry on Netflix, so this is timely. I think it's important to discuss Media with adolescents in the context of healthy sexual relationships and the real emotional and physical risks associated with it. I'd also use it as a stepping stone to consent and safer sex.
That being said, I wouldn't cast judgment like the OP did- especially in regards to Media and gender roles.
You crazy kids need to go out for a cup of coffee and hash this out! I'll buy.
Ha, I was thinking the same thing as I caught up on the explosion of this thread overnight.
But I do love serious and thoughtful discussion about sex ed. Anyone who knows me in real life knows I can talk your ear off about it forever! I really enjoy teaching it and helping parents take charge of the conversation with there own children at home, where values may/should be part of the discussion. I will be adding a parent orientation evening at my school before I start teaching the unit next year.
I will say that I worry greatly about social media and sexting. I spent some time combing through the actual law of sexting in my state after I was asked several questions about it by students in my anonymous question box. I still remember the girl in my school that texted a topless photo of herself to her boyfriend and before the end of the day, it was on Instagram. She was devastated; most kids at this age do not realize how fast things spread and that they cannot get them removed easily (if at all). You cannot undo a text. Important food for thought.
Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN
11,305 Posts
LadyFree28 .. . .I guess I missed that.