The study, which appeared in a recent issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, tracked more than 700 ninth graders at three urban high schools. Researchers found that it didn't matter whether it was girls or boys, but those who had the greatest exposure to degrading sexual lyrics were more than twice as likely to be sexually active as those who had the lowest exposure. The same results were true whether the students had been virgins or had been sexually active before.
"This study demonstrates that, among this sample of young adolescents . . . exposure to lyrics describing degrading sex was one of the strongest associations with sexual activity," said Dr. Brian A. Primack, lead researcher of the study.
Rick Schatz, president and CEO of the National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families, says that there's an upside to the research.
"The good news is that by helping their kids think critically about what they listen to, parents can play an important role in increasing their children's media literacy, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills."
Home Invasion By Rebecca Hagelin Rebecca Hagelin proves that American homes have already been invaded by this insidious enemy that seeks to twist our minds and poison our hearts through the unmonitored Internet, television, magazines, and music that our families ingest on a daily basis.