Children and young people find online pornography very easy to access, whether by accident when searching for something else, or on purpose when curious to find out about sex.
The content can be very worrying and upsetting and lead to unhealthy views about relationships and sex.
In 2017/18, Childline delivered 158 counselling sessions about online pornography, and 147 counselling sessions about child sexual abuse images.
Recently, the Government announced plans to introduce age verification for porn websites, which is a step in the right direction. The new law, which is set to be introduced on July 15th, should make it more difficult for children to view explicit content.
However, young people may still find ways around the checks, or stumble across inappropriate content, so it’s important as parents to have conversations with our children about how they can stay safe or what to do if they’ve seen something that worries them.
Talking to your child about online porn is something that you may find challenging, but it's important to be open and honest.
• Explain to your child that whilst some people watch porn online, not everyone does and it’s definitely not something they have to do
• Reassure them that it is ok to feel curious about sex and that they can always talk to you
• Explain that sex in porn is often different to how people have sex in real life
• Talk to them about what makes a positive and healthy relationship
Support them to get help if they want to stop viewing a lot of pornography.
The Childline page on online porn is helpful. Suggest practical things that you can do to manage what they see online and help keep them safe.
If you feel that there are some things about sex and relationships that your child would feel uncomfortable talking to you about, direct them to safe places online for information such as Childline and BBC Advice. Online porn can impact the views young people have on healthy relationships, sex or body image and it is crucial we help them to understand this.
You know your child best and will know when it's the right time to have these conversations. Reassure them that they can always come to you if they are worried or upset.
For further guidance, visit the NSPCC website or contact the Helpline on 0808 800 5000.
Julie Campbell
NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager for South West of England
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