DORSET Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill has backed a new campaign to raise awareness about the harmful implications of an over exposure to pornography.

The campaign, which is aimed at young people, has been launched after the NSPCC’s Childline service found that nationally one in ten 12-13 year olds are worried they are addicted to porn.

They polled around 700 12-13 year olds in the UK and found one in five said they’d seen images that had shocked or upset them.

Data also showed that 12 per cent of those surveyed admitted to making or having been part of a sexually explicit video.

The ChildLine FAPZ campaign (the Fight Against Porn Zombies) will use a series of animations looking at the implications of over exposure to porn on both boys and girls.

These animations will link to information and advice to help young people understand the implications associated with replicating pornographic content in real life situations and to protect them from putting themselves in risky situations.

Mr Underhill said: “It is vital we educate young people about the dangers of pornography and their wider use of the internet.

“Children of all ages have easy access to a wide range of material and unless we talk about the issue, we are failing thousands of young people.

“Protecting vulnerable people from serious threats is a key area of our Police and Crime Plan, and we must ensure young people learn about safe sex, healthy relationships, respect and consent.”

A young boy aged between 12-15 years-old who contacted ChildLine said: “I'm always watching porn and some of it is quite aggressive. I didn't think it was affecting me at first but I've started to view girls a bit differently recently and it's making me worried.

"I would like to get married in the future but I'm scared it might never happen if I carry on thinking about girls the way I do.”

Peter Liver, director of Childline said: “We know from the young people who contact ChildLine, that viewing porn is a part of every-day life.

“Watching porn makes them feel depressed, gives them body image issues and makes them feel pressured into engaging in sexual acts they’re not ready for and some even feel they are addicted to porn.

“Earlier this month, the government announced plans for children aged 11 upwards to be taught about rape and sexual consent as part of PSHE in schools. This would include discussion around what they have learnt from watching pornography.”

“Our campaign clearly compliments this proposal. Across society, we need to remove the embarrassment and shame that exists around talking about porn – which is why we are launching this activity and helping young people to make more informed choices.”

Any young person who has a question or concern is encouraged to visit childline.org.uk/fapz or to contact ChildLine on 0800 1111 or online childline.org.uk

Counsellors are available 24/7 to offer free, confidential support and advice.