Porn and other sexually explicit material

Coming across porn - accidental? on purpose?

Recent changes to the law in Australia makes it more difficult for young people to go on to porn website, but it is very easy to come across porn online even on what may seem to be age appropriate sites.

Pop-ups, links on websites and games where people can create rooms or characters are all ways in which children can come across porn accidentally.

Children and young people are often curious about sex and bodies and may seek it out as part of their self-education.

The number of children exposed to porn increases at around age 9, probably because their sexual curiosity starts around this age, and because they are becoming more independent online.¹⁵

Is pornography harmful?

There is a large body of research examining how porn exposure can affect young people. Findings vary depending on age, how often they are exposed, the type of content viewed and whether they receive adequate guidance. 

Regular exposure to violent or degrading porn is linked to more harmful ideas about sex and relationships, including greater acceptance of aggression, pressure, or coercion in sexual behaviour. This is mostly observed amongst young men. ¹⁵

Pornography can also shape self-image and expectations, often presenting unrealistic bodies, roles and behaviours, which can affect how young people feel about themselves and ideas about relationships.¹⁵

Is a one-off exposure to pornography likely to do lasting harm?

For most children, a one-off accidental exposure does not appear to cause lasting harm. Their response can be lessened or heightened by the ways in which families interact and discuss what is seen.

In a survey of 9- to 16-year-olds, the 9- to 11-year-olds were the most likely to be upset by sexually explicit media.⁴

Many adolescents recognise that pornography does not represent healthy or realistic sexual relationships, however, younger children are less likely to have this understanding without guidance. 

It is important that children and young people know that this type of material does not represent a happy, healthy, positive kind of sex. 

Share your beliefs and concerns about porn and let them know that porn does not represent all sex, sexual relationships or body types.

What do we do?

While it is not possible to completely prevent young people's exposure to pornography, especially online, there are a few things parents and carers can do to reduce risk and support young people. 

Internet and mobile phone access to porn is difficult to control, however, you can use device filters and safe-search settings to help limit accidental exposure. These can be put on most household devices including gaming consoles (go to esafety.gov.au to find out how). 

No technical solution is foolproof, young people are encountering media across many settings and devices, and it is hard to keep track of them all. This is why ongoing, age-appropriate conversations are essential. Talking with them openly helps them understand what they are seeing and reinforces values around respect and consent while encouraging help-seeking behaviours.

Ideas for what to say to your 8 or 9 year old

For more tips on how to talk to your kids about porn have a look at the free resource The pornography problem plaguing parents in the digital age. 

Ideas for talking to kids from about 12 years old

Start talking to your kids about what you want them to know about sex.