Pornography has become a major part of how young people today explore sexuality. With the rise of free, on-demand access to sexually explicit content online, more adolescents and young adults are encountering porn—often before they are fully equipped to make sense of it.

Our research project, funded by the FWO (Research Foundation - Flanders), investigates how pornography consumption affects the sexual wellbeing of adolescents and young adults (AYA) in today's ethnically and sexually diverse society. While pornography can support self-exploration, body positivity, and sexual confidence, it can also raise complex questions and challenges—particularly when it's difficult to talk about with parents, teachers, or healthcare professionals.

We are a multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder team committed to better understanding the role of pornography in young people's lives. We work closely with educators, care providers, youth organizations, and young people themselves to:

• Explore the short- and long-term effects of pornography use and abstinence on sexual development and wellbeing
• Understand how these experiences play out in healthcare settings
• Develop inclusive, evidence-based educational materials and tools to help young people navigate sexually explicit media
• Empower parents to have open, informed, and supportive conversations with their children about pornography and sexual wellbeing

Together, we aim to move beyond moral panic and polarized debate, focusing instead on sexual wellbeing, inclusion, and open dialogue. By bringing research into classrooms, clinics, and everyday conversations, we hope to empower young people with the knowledge and support they need to make informed, healthy choices.

If you want to know more or if you can contribute to our project, you are very welcome to reach out: swyppe@uantwerpen.be