A new resource for teaching about pornography

A recent report from the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) found that 51% of 11 to 13-year-olds and 66% of 14 to 15-year-olds had seen pornography. In the majority of cases young people’s first time viewing of pornography was accidental.

Pornography. It’s a word that can make many of us squirm and is a topic we find difficult to discuss. But clear, helpful guidance on the subject is exactly what our young people need.

Children are being exposed to pornography at a point at which their understanding of sex and relationships is just developing. Yet many have never been warned about its damaging consequences.

We have a responsibility to protect young people from anything which normalises violent, degrading and abusive sexual practices in relationships. They need equipping to make good choices about the content they view and engage with online, especially since nearly every teenager (and younger) has a smartphone in their pocket.

Statutory requirements

New statutory requirements for RSE outline that pupils should know the impact of viewing harmful content online. In particular, that pornography:

• Presents a distorted picture of sexual behaviours;
• Can damage the way people see themselves in relation to others; and
• Can negatively affect how they behave towards others.

Pupils should also be made aware of the laws in relation to viewing pornography and image sharing.

New Lovewise resource

Teaching a lesson on pornography may feel daunting. That’s why we’re recommending Pornography: Dangers & Decisions, our free online presentation.

Pornography: Dangers & Decisions is designed for secondary schools to teach about the dangers of pornography and is consistent with the RSE guidance.

The presentation slides are accompanied by detailed notes to help teach a lesson covering:

• What pornography is;
• What is wrong with pornography;
• The law;
• A better alternative; and
• How young people can make good decisions about what they look at.

Access Pornography: Dangers & Decisions FREE from our website.