Report Thai Teens Face Worrying Exposure to Online Sexual Content

[webfact]

Reference photo courtesy of Depositphotos

 

Online sexual content exposes one in three Thai teens aged 14-17, according to a recent study. The pressure for social media acclaim, including likes and followers, serves as a significant motivator. This exposure raises concerns about digital safety and young people's behaviour.

 

Conducted by research group Evident, the HUG Project, and supported by the World Childhood Foundation, the report is titled "Leaked: Understanding and Addressing Self-Generated Sexual Content Involving Young People in Thailand". The study surveyed nearly 2,000 young people, ages 9–17, in seven northern provinces between August 2024 and March 2025. It also involved consultations with youth and interviews with law enforcement and frontline workers.

 

Findings indicate that a significant proportion of participants are aware of peers sharing or receiving sexual content. This includes nude images, adult pornography, and AI-generated deepfakes. Approximately 46% of respondents identified social media engagement as a motivator, while financial incentives and validation followed closely.

 

Despite increasing awareness, 56% highlighted the ease of sharing intimate images via technology without considering the consequences. This presents a stark contrast to the perceived dangers of online scams and drugs, which young people view as more threatening. The study highlights a gap in understanding between parents and their children regarding online dangers.

 

Wirawan Mosby, the director and founder of the HUG Project, emphasised the need for guidance rather than shame. "Young people are growing up in a world where their digital lives are inseparable from their offline ones," Mosby remarked, advocating for careful engagement in online and offline relationships.

 

Looking forward, this study underscores the necessity for continued dialogue and intervention strategies to address the growing intersection between youth and digital exposure. Engaging with young people about online safety may prove crucial in fostering healthier digital habits. Experts suggest promoting awareness and educating both parents and teens about the realities and risks associated with digital content.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• One in three Thai teens has encountered sexual content online.
• Gaining likes and followers is a major motivator for sharing content.
• Experts call for guiding youths rather than shaming them.

 

Related Stories:

 

More Thailand news here

 

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-11

 

 

[flaming dragon]

I've seen Thai teens using short time rooms after school, long before smart phones became a thing. Is this the beginning of the push for digital ID?  It's going over very well in the UK. 

[Puccini]

It's about time that something be done about it. Just look at the the numbers:

 

1. 0 (zero) female teens got pregnant from watching "online sexual content"

 

2. 0 (zero) teenagers contracted and spread sexually-transmitted diseases from watching "online sexual content"

 

Drastic regulations must be put in place to reduce these numbers rapidly.

 

 

[johng]

8 hours ago, flaming dragon said:

Is this the beginning of the push for digital ID?

Probably...anything to protect the "children" right.

Big brother must step in,  the parents and the kids themself are just pathetic weak minded imbeciles...Big Brother knows best.