Online pornography is proven to have very damaging effects on the mental health of young people. It can stunt the emotional development of young men and endanger young women with whom they form relationships.
Pornography teaches boys and young men to objectify women – and also shapes how girls see themselves. Ofsted has reported on growing levels of sexual harassment among children at school.
Counsellors who work with victims of sexual crime often say that pornography is an influential factor for harmful sexual behaviours towards women and girls. There is clear evidence of the harm to adults caused by viewing un-regulated online porn which includes the normalisation of dangerous acts like choking.
It really is time for Government to acknowledge this and act now to close open ended access to pornography.