Porn

What is it?

Porn is any material (words, sounds, pictures) designed to be sexually arousing. Anatomy pictures may be sexually explicit, but not intended to be arousing. That's the difference.

How big is the porn industry?

Almost all adults have seen some type of pornographic material. By choice or accident. Since the arrival of the internet, pornography is far more readily available and less regulated.

• 4 in 10 internet users stumble across explicit material
• Hard core pornography is now accessed by 1 in 3 of all internet users
• There are 4.2 million pornographic websites (12% of all sites)

I believe in freedom of speech and expression. And sex is natural. Where's the harm?

Sex is natural. Banning porn could make talking about sex even more taboo. And more shameful. But pornography is very powerful.

• Studies have shown that it changes how we feel about ourselves and about sex. It's easy to feel inadequate: normal bodies are hairy and wobbly. Not super tanned, perfectly toned and always up for it.
• It also influences how we behave: Many porn images show girls in submissive, or victimised roles. For example, they may show women appearing to be enjoying rape by a stranger. In reality no woman wants this to happen. But porn gives the impression that they do. Not all porn users hurt others. But many rapists state the porn was a trigger for their actions.
• Sex has consequences. STIs. Broken hearts. Love. To name but 3. Porn takes sex out of context. It's just a physical act. Condoms are irrelevant. And everyone smiles.
• Porn can be upsetting: What turns one person on can frighten the hell out of others.

This can all be harmful, both to girls and boys. 'Specially when we're young. And still figuring out how we feel about sex, for ourselves. Once we've seen something - it's always with us. We can't choose to erase it.

The women in porn choose to do it. Where's the harm?

I've met adult industry actors who are treated very badly by their bosses. Who are coerced, threatened and even beaten into performing acts they'd rather not. Nearly all porn actors get Sexually Transmitted Infections. As long as there is a demand for porn, this will continue to happen.

What does the law say?

Porn is illegal if it is "judged to have a tendency to deprave and corrupt the intended audience”.
Possession or downloading of child pornography is a serious criminal offence.
Most newsagents will not sell top shelf magazines to the under 18s. Videos should be restricted to the age guidance certificate.
Encouraging someone under 16 to look at pornography is sexual abuse.

Is all porn bad, then?

Ask yourself: Does it do any good? Do we need it? Why?

It is up to everyone to decide for themselves. You don't have to look at porn. You should certainly never be tricked or coerced into looking at it.

If you do decide to use porn, remember:

Porn is fantasy. Imagine you had a dream about a girl you know being fingered. You'd never assume she wanted this in real life. Or that all girls enjoy being fingered. Separate out truth (real people) from fantasy (actors).

If it makes you feel weird inside: unhappy, confused or upset - then don't. If it's starting to influence how you feel about sex, or how you behave in any way - then stop.

Most importantly, respect other people's right to choose. Keep porn private. And safe. Younger siblings do know where our hiding places are.

Written by Dr Melissa Sayer

Last updated 17th June 2007

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