Exposure to online Sexual Materials and Crosscountry Differences in Europe

This study examined individual-level factors and country-level factors which predict exposure to online sexual materials (EOSM) among European children. The sample consisted of children aged 11-15 years (N=12,472) who
were surveyed within the project EU Kids Online II. A cross-cultural comparison has shown that the country-level factors accounted for 11 % of the variation in EOSM within the European sample. However, neither broadband penetration, nor
religious faith were significant as studied country-level factors, while all individual-level predictors such as advanced age, being male, increased amount of time spent online, emotional problems, sensation seeking, and excessive internet use predicted EOSM. On the other hand, gender had a different effect on EOSM at the cross-country level. The countries with higher rates of exposure indicated lower gender differences in EOSM. The implications of the findings are discussed.