Conclusion and recommendations
This study found that high numbers of students were exposed to sexually explicit materials. School youths were often exposed to SEM within their immediate environment through friends and family members. Sex, school type, substance use and access towards SEM were observed as independent predictors for exposure to SEM in this study. The government, especially MOH and MOE should adopt regulatory strategies to minimize the harms associated with young people’s exposure to sexually explicit content through mass media and internet access. The mass media should play powerful role in the socialization of school adolescents and in shaping young people’s sexual knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. The Hawassa city Health and education bureau should offer basic and refresher training for teachers and staff members on school health, mini media clubs at school so as to decrease opportunities for exposure to SEM. The health facilities should do health promotion and awareness creation regarding substance use and sexual and reproductive health for all clients on a regular basis.