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Are We Comfortable Talking About Pornography with Young People?

Writer: Tina Pearmine
Tina Pearmine
5 hours ago
2 min read

Tina Pearmine, our Relationship Development Lead, reflects on the question Are We Comfortable Talking About Pornography with Young People?

 

As practitioners, we know pornography can have a significant impact on young people's understanding of relationships, consent, body image, and sex. But in reality, are we comfortable talking about it?


Research from the Children's Commissioner for England found that 70% of young people surveyed had seen pornography, with many encountering it accidentally and some reporting first exposure as young as six years old.


In my work, with young people, they often tell me:

  • "Porn was my first sex education."

  • “I’ve already seen loads of stuff about sex.”

  • “I’ve watched porn with my boyfriend,”

  • “Lessons make me feel uncomfortable and embarrassed about the subject matter."

  • “The adults teaching this stuff blush or just lecture use.”

 

Many young people tell me that their PSHE lessons are usually delivered by teachers who appear “embarrassed” and that both teachers and interventions by adults like social workers may avoid difficult questions, or struggle to manage the "jokes" made by other pupils or young people in a PSHE lesson.  They say this leaves them feeling “shame and blame” if they have been exposed to porn.

 

Young people tell me that they are very open to talking about pornography. As practitioners, this openness creates a vital opportunity, to talk through the impact and discuss the messages porn, and a culture that normalises sexualisation of girls and women can send about relationships, boundaries, consent and respect.


Young people say that they wish practitioners felt more comfortable to discuss this vital subject.

The DAY programme gives practitioners the confidence and skills to have open, informed conversations with young people about pornography. We provide trauma-informed multimedia resources to help adults help young people navigate what they may see online, think critically about the messages they receive, and develop a healthier understanding of relationships, respect, consent, and boundaries.

 

Our next training event is in November, why not join us in building up your skills and confidence in this transformative programme for young people.


 

 

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