Sweden's Minister for Gender Equality, Nina Larsson, warns about the normalization of choking sex among young people, highlighting its severe dangers. She emphasizes the role of parents and schools in addressing this issue, as studies indicate a rise in such practices. The government is considering measures to combat the influence of violent online content on youth.
Minister Raises Alarm Over Dangerous Trend of Choking Sex Among Youth
Minister Raises Alarm Over Dangerous Trend of Choking Sex Among Youth
The normalization of choking sex among young people is extremely dangerous and must be stopped, says Minister for Gender Equality Nina Larsson (L).
"Parents need to understand how common it is for girls around the age of 15 to report that boys expect to engage in choking sex."
Several international studies show that choking sex has become prevalent among young people, and according to authorities and experts, the trend appears to be similar in Sweden.
The National Board of Forensic Medicine will soon present a government report on the issue, which shows that repeated choking can not only lead to death but also likely cause brain damage over time. A survey on the prevalence of choking sex among young people in Sweden is planned for next year.
"Choking violence and choking sex are much more common and also much more dangerous than we previously thought," says Nina Larsson.
Violent Content
Choking sex also normalizes the perception of violence and rape, she says.
She believes that one explanation for the trend is the amount of violent material online that even children can easily access.
"We have far too much accessibility to a lot of misery, frankly, online, both in social media and other forums."
In the UK, for example, all forms of choking have been explicitly banned with a five-year prison sentence, and this summer it was also announced that the depiction of choking sex in pornography will be banned.
The Role of Schools
Exactly what the Swedish government might do remains to be seen, but Nina Larsson emphasizes the large amount of harmful content available to children and young people.
"Schools have an important role, and we from the government's side have taken important steps, but we must continue this work so that young people receive their sex education in school and not through violent porn online," she says.
The government is introducing, among other things, a mobile phone ban during school hours to protect children, she says.
"But we definitely need to do more."
Society must work broadly on these issues, and parents also have a significant responsibility, she emphasizes.