New Children’s Commissioner report on damaging impact of online pornography

New research from the Children’s Commissioner provides yet more evidence regarding the extent to which children are exposed to pornography, and its harmful impact on their safety, wellbeing and relationships. The report explores the serious consequences of this access and the troubling role it may play in influencing abusive behaviour between children. Its findings echo PSHE Association research, including our Fully Human report on the impact of online pornography, which is cited in the report.

The Commissioner rightly argues that all children should be protected from exposure to pornography through such measures as the Online Safety Bill, and taught about its dangers in school via the statutory RSHE curriculum.

Our research and teaching guidance will support schools in this regard, alongside our Fully Human report on pornography and human futures, which explores pornography’s power to manipulate and undermine compassionate values.

— PSHE Association Chief Executive Jonathan Baggaley said:
“Pornography should have no place in children and young people’s lives, and government must do all it can via the Online Safety Bill and other means to restrict access to this shocking and harmful content. Unfortunately — as the Children’s Commissioner report makes clear — too many already have seen pornography that’s violent and misogynistic due to its prevalence and easy access, so it is also crucial to cover the dangerous messaging and misconceptions widespread in pornography via age appropriate RSHE lessons. The upcoming review of statutory RSHE guidance must continue to cover pornography’s risk in portraying a distorted picture that can negatively affect how we see, and treat others. We will continue to work in this area and in the meantime schools should find our guidance helpful when planning their own approach to covering this topic appropriately and effectively.”