Hearings have begun this week in a NSW parliamentary inquiry examining the impacts of exposure to harmful pornography.
The inquiry follows a recommendation from the state’s Attorney General, as part of the government’s efforts to “address the scourge of domestic violence and sexual assault from every angle”.
At a hearing on Monday, experts presented findings on the mental, physical, and emotional impacts of harmful pornography, particularly on children.
Background
In August 2024, the NSW Government requested a parliamentary inquiry into harmful pornography, citing growing concerns it was “normalising unacceptable behaviour.”
At the time, state Attorney General Michael Daley said: “A generation of young men are growing up with unprecedented access to the online world, and this includes early and easy access to pornography, with harmful depictions of the treatment of women.”
The inquiry received 78 submissions from experts, sexual violence advocacy groups, and members of the public.
Early exposure
The inquiry is tasked with examining the links between exposure to harmful pornography during adolescence, and the development of harmful sexual attitudes and behaviours.
Australian internet regulator eSafety’s submission referred to a survey it conducted of 1,000 teenagers. It found 75% of Australian 16- to 18-year-olds had seen online pornography. Nearly a third had seen it before the age of 13.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
Most young people reported their first encounter as “unintentional,” and said they had “very negative feelings” about these unintended viewings.
Physical harm
In its submission, relationships and sexuality education advocacy group Bloom-ED highlighted the impact of “continual exposure to hyper-sexualised imagery” on young people’s physical health.
It flagged that porn can lead to young people engaging in sexual acts “often before they feel ready” and “contributed to misunderstandings around pleasure associated with sexual activities.”
The organisation also warned that “hidden messages” in porn can lead to pressure to “develop and maintain a certain body shape.”
Education
The inquiry will assess the effectiveness of current education programs about the harms of pornography and how they can be improved.
Gender-based-violence prevention organisation Our Watch highlighted the importance of “age-appropriate teaching of respectful relationships” to counteract “the harmful messages conveyed in pornography.”
In its submission, it recommended a “comprehensive approach” to creating educational materials and resources to help young people “critically engage [with] and reflect on pornography.”
