Tricky topics: Talking to children and young people about pornography

In this episode host Alicia Ranford is joined by youth advocate and educator, Daniel Principe. Daniel has presented to tens of thousands of young people all over Australia and is passionate about creating opportunities to champion boys and support them in becoming good men. 

Daniel talks with Alicia about the effects that watching pornography and sexualised content can have on young people. They discuss how we can encourage boys to recognise and resist distorted attitudes towards bodies, relationships and sex, and instead build healthy, respectful relationships with others and themselves.   

Content warning: This podcast includes discussion of pornography and sexualised online content, and mentions of violence. If listening to this podcast brings up any difficult feelings for you, please seek help from your mental health professional or one of these crisis or support services.  

In this episode you will hear: 

• Daniel talk about the age most children and young people are accessing pornography and how this content can affect their ideas about relationships and consent [00:04:21].
• Daniel’s suggestions to parents on how you can protect your child or young person in the online space  [00:12:54].
• About ways you can start a conversation with your child or young person and support them without shame if they have accessed pornography [00:21:49].  

Further information and resources: 

Daniel Principe

How to stay safe online 

Consent can’t wait 

Talking to children and young people about consent

Talking to children and young people about sex and their bodies