Media 'influences children's sexual activities'

CHILDREN exposed to sex in TV programmes, films, magazines and music are more likely to engage in sexual activity than those who are not, a study released yesterday found.

There is a direct relationship between the amount of sexual content a child sees and their level of sexual activity or their intentions to have sex in the future, the study found.

Such media also has at least an equal influence on sexual behaviour as religion or a child's relationship with their parents and peers, the study said.