A 16-year-old girl has died from suspected sexual strangulation involving her 16-year-old boyfriend, prompting ongoing police investigations. The incident has raised concerns about the influence of online pornography on adolescent sexual behavior and the associated risks.
Sexual strangulation, often mistakenly referred to as choking, has become more visible in recent years, partly due to its depiction in mainstream pornography accessed by young people. Experts note that physical aggression such as strangulation, slapping, and hair-pulling appears in roughly 35-45% of videos on major pornographic websites, according to research analyzing thousands of randomly selected clips.
While ethical pornography does not appear to increase violent behavior, a study by the Australian Institute of Criminology released last year found that frequent viewing of violent pornography is linked to a small but statistically significant increase in violence against women by men who consume such content. This intersects with findings showing that about one in three Australian children have seen online pornography, with the average age of first exposure at 13.
Medical professionals warn that sexual strangulation carries serious health risks, as any loss of oxygen to the brain can cause lasting damage. In the United Kingdom, it is reported to be the second most common cause of strokes in women under 40. Consequences include seizures, brain injury, memory impairment, depression, and anxiety. A 2024 Australian study of 4,700 individuals aged 18 to 35 found that more than half had engaged in sexual strangulation, with 61% reporting they had seen the practice depicted in pornography, others having encountered it through movies or peer discussions.
The issue also raises concerns about the sexual education of young people, many of whom turn to online pornography as an informal source of information. Dame Rachel de Souza, the UK children’s commissioner, cited a case of a 12-year-old girl who described her first kiss involving strangulation by her boyfriend, who believed it was normal after seeing it in pornographic material.
Advocates for sexual strangulation argue that it can produce euphoric sensations and may be considered acceptable among consenting adults who have established clear boundaries. However, the risks become particularly acute when the practice is imitated by adolescents without full understanding of the dangers involved.
Experts emphasize the complexity of influences shaping young people’s sexual behavior, which includes peer pressure, hormonal changes, and evolving gender dynamics. While online pornography is not solely responsible for the rise in sexual strangulation, it is recognized as a significant factor. Addressing the issue effectively requires broader societal engagement rather than placing the burden exclusively on parents to navigate difficult conversations about sex and pornography with their children.