Pornography exposure among adolescents: awareness, attitudes and knowledge of Malay Muslim mothers

Norazman, Anisa Haida and Uzir, Bisha Fathamah and Zaini, Syahrir and Rostam, Muhamad Ashraf and Abdul Hamid, Siti Hazariah (2025) Pornography exposure among adolescents: awareness, attitudes and knowledge of Malay Muslim mothers. International Journal of Care Scholars, 8 (3). pp. 158-170. ISSN 2600-898X

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Abstract

Background: Adolescent exposure to online pornography has become a growing public health concern with implications for their psychological and sexual development. This study explores how Malay Muslim mothers perceive and manage their children’s exposure to sexually explicit online content, focusing on parental awareness, preventive strategies, and influencing socio-educational factors. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with sixteen mothers of children aged 3–17 years. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis guided by Parental Mediation Theory to understand how parental education, digital literacy, and cultural beliefs shape monitoring and communication practices. Results: Three main themes emerged: Parental Challenges and Strategies in Regulating Gadget Use; Addressing Pornography Exposure in Children; and Sex Education and Communication at Home. Results revealed that while parents are aware of the risks, most rely on schools for formal sex education and face barriers in discussing sensitive topics. Parents with higher educational levels reported stricter digital control, while those from lower-income backgrounds often lacked digital literacy or resources to use monitoring tools. Conclusion: The study highlights how parental education, digital literacy, and cultural values influence Malay Muslim mothers’ mediation of their children’s online experiences. Strengthening parental confidence and providing accessible resources for low-income families may enhance preventive education and communication regarding online sexual exposure

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Pornography exposure, Adolescence, Sex education, Gadget, Parental concern
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > HQ 1075 Sex role H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HM Sociology > HM1001 Social psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health. Mental Illness Prevention
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Nutrition Sciences Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Special Care Nursing Kulliyyah of Pharmacy Kulliyyah of Pharmacy > Department of Basic Medical Sciences Kulliyyah of Pharmacy > Department of Pharmacy Practice
Depositing User:	Asst. Prof Bisha Uzir
Date Deposited:	05 Dec 2025 10:10
Last Modified:	05 Dec 2025 10:10
Queue Number:	2025-12-Q455
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/112049

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