The Impact of 90s and 2000s Magazines on Teen Sexual Education

In the era of the 90s and 2000s, when the internet was not yet a ubiquitous source of information, many teenagers obtained their sexual education from glossy magazines. Despite the limited information presented, these publications became the first source of knowledge about sex and relationships for many.

The content of these magazines inspired readers to prepare for their first sexual experiences. The story of a reader who found an article from a psycho-sexologist about the first time serves as an example of how valuable advice from a magazine can be in real life. The importance of preparation and setting the mood is emphasized in these narratives.

Magazines also contributed to creating intrigue and curiosity around the topic of sex. The story of a six-year-old reader encountering the term "mas-tur-ba-tion" from a letter in the "Cry of the Soul" section demonstrates that even complex subjects did not escape the attention of curious minds. Magazines stimulated discussions about sex, even among those not yet ready for a complete understanding.

For many children and teenagers, access to magazines in libraries became the key to a deeper understanding of intimate relationships. Sections dedicated to health and contraception in magazines like "Marusya" provided information on menstruation, hygiene rules, contraception methods, and sexually transmitted diseases. These materials became a kind of sex education, helping teenagers approach their first experiences consciously.

With magazines like Oops!, Cool Girl, and "Lisa Girl," teenagers broadened their horizons and gained additional knowledge. These publications played a significant role in sexual education, helping shape perceptions of risks and consequences. Interestingly, over time, the internet gradually displaced the popularity of glossy publications.

A special issue from the publication Yes, including detailed materials about abortions, illustrates how sociocultural norms influenced perceptions of sex. These materials, frightening but nonjudgmental, proved to be an important step towards open discussion of the topic.

Testimonies of a reader internalizing misconceptions about sex from newspapers and magazines highlight the importance of correcting perspectives on the subject. Negative beliefs, such as the idea that sex is painful and demeaning, or the necessity of manipulation in relationships, require reconsideration.

Magazines of the 90s and 2000s played a significant role in shaping the sexual education of teenagers, providing them with information, stimulating dialogue, and helping them navigate the realms of sex and relationships.