Society must take young men’s sexuality seriously, argue experts in Norway

Jonas Felde Sevaldrud, a TikTok creator and speaker, argues that society must take young men’s sexuality seriously, as many boys in Norway lack comprehensive knowledge about sex. He is supported by Andreas Håheim, a sexual health advisor, who highlights that pornography often serves as the primary source of sexual education for many boys, pointing to a scarcity of positive role models in this area. Sevaldrud states that the lack of male discourse around sex is troubling as it can spiral into a misunderstanding of personal and others’ boundaries.

Sevaldrud wishes for more candid dialogues among men regarding sexual experiences, noting that discussions in the media often fail to resonate with younger audiences. Both men emphasize the importance of fostering a culture where open conversations about sex and sexual challenges are normalized.

In conversations on the streets of Drammen, young men express their views on the sexual education they receive, describing it as superficial and lacking depth compared to what young women inquire about. Some men report feeling more comfortable discussing sexuality than previous generations, indicating a shift towards reduced stigma around the topic.

However, Sevaldrud stresses the critical need for informed discussions on sex to prevent negative experiences and foster mutual understanding of boundaries. Research shows that men tend to shy away from addressing difficult subjects, including sex, often due to societal and biological pressures. Both he and Håheim advocate for more authentic conversations that go beyond bravado, encouraging men to embrace vulnerability and recognize that it’s normal to struggle with sexual experiences.