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Impact of Pornography on Youth: Expert Analysis

21 hours ago
21 hours ago

The Impact of Pornography on Young Australians

Young Australians are viewing pornography as frequently as they were six years ago, but the average age at which young women are first viewing it has decreased significantly, according to new research.

A study by Our Watch, the leading national organisation for the prevention of violence against women, surveyed more than 830 young Australians about gender roles, sex, dating, relationships, and online pornography consumption.

Changing Trends in Pornography Consumption

The findings show that, compared to the last Our Watch survey, published in 2018, the average age of first exposure for young women has dropped by two years.

Among young people who had seen pornography, the average age of first porn exposure was 13.2 years for males and 13.9 years for females. In contrast, the median age for young women’s first exposure was 16 in 2018.

Impact of Pornography on Young People

Our Watch said that while some research finds pornography has a positive impact on young people’s sexual socialization and experiences, the large majority identifies that early exposure to pornography can have a significant negative impact on the development of young people’s attitudes and practices.

The vast majority of young people surveyed also agreed that pornography pushes stereotypes of what is expected of men and women in sex, impacts how women are viewed in real life, and that porn is degrading to women.

Expert Insights on Pornography

Professor Michael Flood, a sociology researcher at Queensland University of Technology, highlighted the impact of pornography on young minds. He emphasized that pornography can shape attitudes, desires, and behavior, leading to lower relationship satisfaction and potentially addictive or compulsive use.

  • Unrealistic body expectations and sexual acts in pornography may make young people uncomfortable or self-conscious.

  • Depictions of aggression, strangulation, coercion, and sexual violence in pornography are particularly concerning.

Violence Against Women in Pornography

Women are overwhelmingly the subject of high levels of physical and verbal aggression in pornography.

According to Our Watch research, seven out of 10 young people say the porn they consume often shows aggression and violence against women.

Addressing the Impact of Pornography

Our Watch has called for a range of measures to help young people critically engage with pornography, including respectful relationships education and access to information about pornography.

Improving education about pornography, sex, and relationships is crucial in the context of increasing violence against women in Australia. It is essential to promote healthy and respectful relationships among young people to prevent further harm.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of pornography on young Australians is crucial in addressing issues related to gender-based violence and unhealthy attitudes towards sex and relationships. By promoting education, awareness, and critical engagement with pornography, we can work towards creating a safer and more respectful society for all.

FAQs

What is the average age of first exposure to pornography for young Australians?

The average age of first exposure to pornography is 13.2 years for males and 13.9 years for females, according to recent research.

How can parents help mitigate the negative impact of pornography on young people?

Parents play a vital role in mediating the impact of pornography by discussing healthy relationships, consent, and respectful behavior with their children. Open communication and education are key in addressing the harmful effects of pornography consumption.

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