The Joint Committee to Study the Effects of Media on Minors convened on January 7, 2025, to address alarming trends regarding the impact of media on youth, particularly concerning sexual violence among minors. The meeting featured testimony from a pediatric assault nurse examiner who provided critical insights into the rising incidence of minors committing sexual assaults against other minors.

The examiner reported that over the past decade, data indicates that a significant portion of these offenses—ranging from one-third to nearly half—are perpetrated by minors, particularly males aged 11 to 15, with 14-year-olds identified as the highest risk group. This troubling trend is not confined to the United States; similar patterns have been observed internationally, including findings from the United Kingdom that highlight minors as the majority of perpetrators.

A key factor discussed was the influence of pornography on youth behavior. The examiner emphasized that many offenders cite exposure to explicit content as a catalyst for their actions. Research supports this claim, showing a correlation between pornography consumption and increased instances of sexual violence among minors. The testimony included a harrowing case of a 13-year-old girl assaulted by her brother, who had been influenced by pornography.

The committee was informed that children are often inadvertently exposed to violent and degrading content online, with many young individuals developing an addiction to such material. The examiner noted that a significant percentage of adolescents report experiencing erectile dysfunction linked to their consumption of pornography, further illustrating the detrimental effects of such exposure.

The discussion also highlighted the normalization of self-exploitation among teenagers, with reports of minors engaging in risky behaviors, including trafficking through social media platforms. Disturbing accounts were shared, including that of an 11-year-old girl who was solicited by adult men online, underscoring the urgent need for protective measures and education regarding the dangers of online interactions.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the critical need for comprehensive strategies to address the influence of media on minors, particularly concerning sexual violence and exploitation. The committee plans to continue its investigation into these issues, aiming to develop actionable recommendations to safeguard children in an increasingly digital world.