Concerned about the ubiquity of pornographic content and its accessibility to teens, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and the Children’s Commissioner asked Middlesex University to research how many teens have been exposed to pornography and document the effect explicit content has on teens. The study’s findings make it clear pornography should have no place in a teen’s life.
*28% of eleven year olds have seen porn
*By fifteen years old, teens are more likely to have seen porn than not
*34% of the teens surveyed reported viewing porn at least once a week
*In a study conducted this year, almost half (42%) of a group of 12-16 year olds who had seen porn said they wanted to try something they had seen.
*28% of teens surveyed had stumbled on porn accidentally; 19% admitted to looking for (and finding) porn
*44% of the boys and 29% of the girls who had seen porn wanted to emulate it
*26% of teens have received pornographic images
*Less than half of teens who have seen pornography (49%) called it “unrealistic.
This study, released just four months ago, indicates that teens are being exposed to porn– some accidentally, and some by choice. While many recognize that it’s not healthy or realistic, a third of teens are watching a great deal of it anyway. Far too many are curious to engage in pornographic acts in real life.
Parents, note the statistics. Talk to your kids about porn! This should start with very small children through conversations about kindness, respect for one’s own and others’ bodies. It can grow into discussions about media choices, and how media shapes our thoughts, values, and moods. For teens, the topics can include sexuality, healthy coping mechanisms, and internet habits. You are your children’s best resource and most effective protection. Don’t waste your influence!
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