Key Points:
- New Children’s Commissioner report shows rising exposure to online porn among UK youth.
- 70% of 16–21-year-olds say they viewed porn before turning 18, up from 64% in 2023.
- Over 25% were exposed by age 11.
- Harmful content included non-consensual acts and strangulation.
- Social media remains a key route for access, despite age checks and filters.
Summary:
The UK’s flagship Online Safety Act promised stronger protections for children online, but fresh data suggests its impact may be limited. A report from the Children’s commissioner for England reveals that exposure to pornography among young people has actually increased since the law came into effect.
Surveying 16–21-year-olds, the report found that 70% had seen porn before their 18th birthday, compared to 64% in 2023. Alarmingly, more than a quarter reported first exposure by age 11. Many described encounters with violent or coercive material, including depictions of strangulation and non-consensual acts.
Despite new age verification measures and filters, children continue to access explicit material through social media platforms. The findings highlight gaps between regulation and children’s real online experiences—especially for vulnerable groups who may be most at risk.
Campaigners argue that while the Online Safety Act set new standards, enforcement remains uneven. They are calling for tougher scrutiny of platforms and more effective technology to prevent under-18 access to harmful material. At the same time, experts stress the importance of equipping parents with tools and guidance to manage digital exposure at home.
Source: The Guardian
