5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

In contemporary EuroAmerican society, children are often considered innocent and asexual (Davies & Robinson, 2010). However, the increasing access of children internet and consecuently the availability to access to pornography, starting as early as age 8 in countries like Spain (Ballester & Orte, 2019), has emerged as a pressing issue in several European countries. While technology is often seen as a tool for social surveillance (Lyon, 2022), protecting children from sexually explicit content online remains a substantial challenge. France has pioneered in this area by proposing a government-licensed digital certification to access such content, aiming to safeguard minors until they reach 18 years old, although this system is not yet functional.

Conducting research on the topic of sexuality and children, often considered a sensitive matter, presents challenging ethical concerns but is necessary. Many sex education programs stem from an adult-centric perspective, where adults presume to know what children need, leaving children’s opinions silenced.

This panel aims to explore the experiences of children and the relevant adults who surround them, such as families and teachers, regarding children's sexuality, seeking to enhance understanding through the inclusion of these often-silenced voices.