Andorran Psychologist Tackles Youth Sexuality Risks with Workshops

Mónica Martínez, a 50-year-old psychologist from Lleida who has lived in Andorra since her early 20s, is delivering workshops on affective sexuality through the Andorran Youth Network (ADJRA). Specializing in child and adolescent psychology and violence prevention, she tailors sessions to different age groups—from eight-year-olds to teenagers—to promote respectful, equal, and empathetic relationships.

The workshops address emotional health in sexuality while tackling risks like sexting, grooming, and self-objectification. Demand comes from families amid growing concerns over screen addiction and easy access to pornography at young ages. Martínez notes that many children encounter porn around age eight, when they begin forming ideas about sexual relationships. Such content often normalizes violence, degradation, and non-consensual acts, underscoring the need to build critical thinking in adolescents.

A particular worry is the rise in sexual abuses among peers, including sexualized behaviors, unwanted touching, and acts without permission. These cases often go unreported and hidden, despite denials that they occur in Andorra. Martínez stresses that the issue remains taboo.

In her sessions, young participants express a strong desire to discuss these topics, citing gaps in information, digital education, and safe spaces for dialogue—areas neglected at home. Professionals also need training; for instance, she recently ran a course for youth monitors at Encamp's Punt Jove, who often encounter situations they are unprepared to handle.

Martínez attributes parental reluctance to cultural inheritance: adults focus on condoms and pregnancy prevention but overlook consent or mutual pleasure, mirroring what they learned—or didn't—from their own parents. "It's a field few dare to explore," she says, warning that leaving screens to fill the conversational void will create major problems ahead. Her experience has exposed her to severe cases, reinforcing the urgency of proactive education.