What happens when children encounter pornography at a young age?
Our new research report, Pornography is Causing a Public Health Crisis, examined 47 peer-reviewed studies looking at the health harms associated with pornography.
One of the clearest findings was concerning: Earlier exposure to pornography is associated with a greater risk of problematic pornography use and addiction later in life.
The research also found associations between earlier exposure and compulsive sexual behaviour, escalation to more extreme pornography, sexual risk-taking, pornography-related erectile dysfunction and poorer mental health outcomes.
And this matters because children are encountering pornography surprisingly young.
Research cited in our report found that 70% of young people had encountered pornography before the age of 18, with the average age of first exposure being 13. Many encountered it unintentionally, including through social media.
So what can parents do?
You don’t need to have all the answers.
However, understanding what children are encountering – and knowing how to have the right conversations at the right time – can make a real difference.
That’s why we’re running our next PG Workshop for parents and carers:
- Monday 12 October 2026
- 7:30-8:45pm (UK time)
- Live online
- £5
This is a practical, supportive session designed to help you understand the digital world your child is growing up in and give you practical tools for navigating conversations about pornography and online sexual content.
You’ll learn:
- how online sexual content can shape young people’s understanding of sex and relationships
- how to start age-appropriate conversations with your child
- practical ways to help protect your child online
- how to respond if your child has already encountered pornography
And every attendee will receive a FREE practical Parent Pack after the workshop, including:
- step-by-step guides to parental controls and screen-time limits
- conversation starters and online-safety resources
- insights into apps such as WhatsApp, Snapchat and TikTok
- practical guidance for younger children and teenagers.
Book your place now at PG Workshop – ProProfs WebinarNinja
