How can I look at fictional sexual content safely?
Our helpline often hears from teens who have questions about looking at fictional sexual content, like hentai, lolicon, or shotacon. They share feelings of concern about whether looking at this content is okay - and safe to continue looking at.
Art and creative expression is important, meaningful, often personal, and it can take many forms. We value the positive influences that art can have for many people throughout its broad spectrum. Our goal is not to censor or shame people for looking at fictional sexual content, but to make sure that young people have the information they need to make the best decisions for themselves about how to interact with any type of sexual content - fictional or not.
Questioning what one is looking at is responsible, and demonstrates maturity and the potential for personal insight. If looking at fictional sexual content is bringing up questions for you, it is absolutely okay to ask these questions and we’re glad we can provide some guidance to help folks stay safe and healthy.
The risk that comes with fictional sexual content
Our FAQ called Is watching Hentai, Lolicon, or Shotacon a problem? can help clarify this question for folks. First and foremost it’s important to understand the laws about looking at this kind of content as laws can differ depending where you live.
Outside of legal concerns, looking at content with children in sexual situations, even fictional ones, can make it seem normal or okay to be sexual with children in real life. Some folks that we’ve talked to have even described that they started by looking at legal fictional content, but over time they began to seek out real sexually explicit images of children called child sexual abuse material (CSAM), which is child sexual abuse and illegal.
Not everyone uses fictional sexual content as a jumping off point for viewing CSAM. For some, they are not interested in any type of romantic or sexual relationship with a child in real life. For some people, their use of fictional sexual content may be their way of coping with thoughts and feelings about children sexually. Experts in sexual behaviors looking at the difference between “fantasy” and actual behavior have found that in some cases, using fantasy or fictional content can be a coping tool for some people as it gives them an outlet to explore their attractions without harming a real child. The research on this continues, and likely we will learn more about whether viewing this type of content is helpful and safe, or can open the door to engaging in more harmful behaviors in real life.
Getting a professional opinion
If you are concerned about your viewing of fictional sexual content, you don’t have to - and shouldn’t try to - figure it out on your own. It’s important to seek out knowledgeable support, like a specialized professional, to give their insight and feedback. Every person is different, and what may be safe for some, could become a risk to others. It’s important to talk about your own feelings, habits, and behaviors with a trusted professional, so you can work together to plan for safety when looking at fictional sexual content.
Not every therapist is going to have the knowledge or experience to provide this kind of support, but someone who specializes in either adult or youth sexual behaviors, depending on your age, will have the best skills to be able to help you.
Check out our FAQs on Finding Help to learn more about how to find this kind of support.
It takes courage to ask questions about your own safety
We believe that it takes courage to ask questions about your own level of risk. Because of the social stigma and misinformation that comes with having an attraction to children, it can be difficult to get help or answers. We are so glad that people continue to reach out to us with their questions.
There IS support available to understand more about your own attractions and learn how to stay safe.
