HARDCORE pornography is fast becoming the default sexuality educator for young people, according to local organisations hosting a forum to tackle the “tricky conversation” on Monday night, 18 July.
Presented by Maroondah City Council, Women’s Health East and Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) “It’s Time We Talked About Porn” is aimed at parents, carers, educators and mentors of young people.
The session will be led by community educator on pornography and young people, Maree Crabbe.
“Many parents and people who work with children feel at a loss when it comes to talking about the barrage of pornographic content marketed to young people online,” Ms Crabbe said.
She said, readily available and aggressively marketed online, pornographic content accounted for 30 per cent of internet traffic and research showed over 90 per cent of boys and 60 per cent of girls had seen porn online.
“Porn has become the mainstream and we can no longer afford to dodge these tricky conversations with our children and students,” Ms Crabbe said.
She said the link between gender inequality, power, sexism and violence was demonstrated clearly in modern day pornography and that a recent content analysis of the most popular porn found that 88 per cent of scenes included acts of physical aggression, and 48 per cent of the scenes contained verbal aggression.
“In 94 per cent of cases, these aggressive acts were directed at women,” Ms Crabbe said.
“Not only does pornography almost routinely portray gender stereotypes, gender inequality and aggression, it eroticises them. It says they are sexy.
“Adults must be able to talk to young people about sex in a way that encourages realistic and healthy expectations and behaviours.”
Michael Smith, Chief Executive Officer of ECLC said the forum was very timely.
“Eastern CLC responds to family violence issues every day and with our partner organisations also seeks to prevent family violence through education and awareness with a focus on gender inequality,” Mr Smith said.
“The role of pornography with young people and how it reinforces unhealthy relationship expectations is very important but it’s really a taboo subject with parents and others not knowing how to deal with it.
“It’s certainly time we talked about it.”
The session focuses on supporting adults to understand porn’s impact on young people, and opening up conversations that equip children for a sexuality that is safe, respectful and fully consenting.
“It’s Time We Talked About Porn” will be held at Karralyka Centre, Mines Road, Ringwood on Monday, 18 July, from 7pm to 8.30pm.
It is a free session but an RSVP to Maroondah Youth Services on 9294 5701 would be appreciated.
