How do children see sexual content online?
Children may be exposed to a range of sexual material, including online pornography or youth-produced sexual imagery (also known as ‘sexting‘ or CSAM).
These issues are not necessarily new; some of us may have experienced this as a result of an accidental typo in an internet search, or from deliberately looking up rude words out of curiosity.
What can parents and carers do?
Use parental control tools and filters to help reduce the risks of exposure to your child. However, it’s important to understand that these tools are only safety nets and cannot replace supervision and more hands-on techniques.
Build a positive and ongoing dialogue
Sex and relationships is an often uncomfortable topic to discuss with children. It’s difficult to know the right age to have these conversations and there can be real fears about ‘ruining’ innocence.
However, these are some of the most important conversations to have. You can support them with early age-appropriate chats about pornography and healthy relationships.
Exposure to sexual content is often confusing and distressing. So, it’s important to have conversations with children from an early age so they feel able to seek support and advice. Avoid using shaming or blaming terms because a fear of punishment may prevent children from accessing help
The role of schools
Schools should speak with children about sexualised content as part of age appropriate relationships and sex education (RSE). The PSHE association, the Sex Education Forum and UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) all have useful guidance for schools and colleges about discussing issues such as pornography and ‘sexting’.
Schools and parents can often manage inappropriate sexualised behaviour by children. However, some cases might require specialist advice and support. It’s important for schools to have clear policies and procedures in place to support children who demonstrate problematic or abusive sexualised behaviours. Schools should access local procedures or support; this may include the Local Safeguarding Children Board, Preventative Services and Social Care teams.