What is Masturbation? Teen masturbation means a teen touching his or her own genitals to bring sexual pleasure. Some teens use masturbation, alone or with a sexual partner, as an alternative or additional sexual behavior. In this article we not only explain what is masturbation, but also the myths and facts.
Some teens and adults feel that teenage masturbation is a healthy expression of teen sexuality, while other teens and adults see teen masturbation as an inappropriate sexual behavior. Teens’ feelings about masturbation, and their choices about whether or not to masturbate, are strongly influenced by their parents, as well as friends, religious leaders, and the media. More than half of teens who masturbate feel guilty about masturbation because of the strong social stigma against teen masturbation.
Why do Teens Masturbate?
- Curiosity about their bodies
- As an alternate sexual activity that cannot cause pregnancy
- As an alternate sexual activity that cannot spread sexually transmitted diseases when done alone
- To avoid the emotional complications of sexual relationships during the teen years
- To relieve sexual tension
Some Reasons Why Teens Don’t Masturbate:
- Are uncomfortable with the idea of masturbation
- Want to spend their time and energy on other pursuits, such as sports, music, schoolwork, or spending time with friends
- Feel that masturbation is morally wrong
Teens may hear a lot of conflicting or incorrect information about masturbation. Teen masturbation myths:
- Blindness
- Mental illness
- Hairy palms
Teen Masturbation Negative Effects:
- Guilt or distress
- In some cases, interfering with normal romantic relationships
- Interfering with daily activities if it becomes an obsessive-compulsive or addictive behavior
- Disciplinary actions or legal problems if it is done in public.
Teen masturbation should always be done in private – masturbation in a public place is against the law, and can lead to school disciplinary actions, being fired from work, or facing legal charges.
If a teen’s masturbation interferes with normal activities, he or she may have a problem with obsessive-compulsive behavior. A teen who cannot control his or her masturbation habits should talk to a counselor to get help with obsessive-compulsive behaviors and get balance back in his or her life.
Teen sexual addiction is often associated with excessive masturbation, often in addition to pornography and risky, irresponsible, or illegal sexual behaviors. Sexual addiction interferes with a teen’s ability to work, do well in school, and have healthy relationships. Not everyone who is addicted to sex will necessarily commit illegal sexual acts, but because sexual addition interferes with normal, healthy activities and relationships, a teen who is addicted to sex needs to recognize his or her problem and seek medical help.
Teens who have questions or concerns about masturbation should talk to their parents, religious leaders, or another trusted adult. High school sex education classes often teach teens facts about masturbation, but generally cannot discuss values related to controversial issues such as teen masturbation. Parents should teach their values about masturbation and other sex-related issues to their teens. If a parent finds that a child or teen is masturbating, or if a teen asks a parent about masturbation, the parent should react calmly, give straightforward information, and explain his or her values to the teen to help him or her make healthy sexual decisions.
What is Masterbation Sources:
- Planned Parenthood, Masturbation [online]
- WebMD/The Cleveland Clinic, “Sexual Health: Masturbation,” [online]
- WebMD/The Cleveland Clinic, “Sexual Health: Sexual Addiction,” [online]
- Public Health, Seattle and King County, Family Planning Program, Value Question Protocol [online]
