We need to talk about pornography report

• Fake sex: “Parents understand that online pornography is not a true representation of real-life sex and relationships. However, they are concerned that this is not always obvious to children, which leads to a range of issues.”
• Fake education: “Parents are also afraid that teenagers use pornography as a way of learning about sex. Parents worry that rather than learning about sex in a relationship setting — or at least safe sex — pornography might teach their child that certain sexual acts are acceptable or normal, which in turn could affect the child’s safety if they were to attempt these acts (e.g. strangling).”
• Portrayal of women: “Linked to the implication of pornography used as a way of learning about sex in relationships, parents are also concerned about how women are treated in online porn and the issues that arise around permission and consent.”
• Fake bodies: “Parents are worried that pornography could skew children’s ideal of ideal body image which can lead to self-esteem issues as they compare themselves against the actors. In addition, they are worried about the detrimental effects it can have on their children’s physical health if they were to go to extremes in an attempt to reach their body goal.”

Inevitable exposure: Despite best efforts, parents realise that exposure to online porn is inevitable. Many children see porn at a young age, often by accident.

Although 67% of parents think parental controls are helpful in preventing their child from seeing online pornography, 76% think there should be greater restrictions online.