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“It is impossible to tackle the embedded behaviours of sexual harassment in schools without talking about the harmful impact pornography is having on children and young people. We are particularly concerned by how many children are telling us they are addicted to porn.”
Helen Roberts, CEO, Dignify
“We find that pornography exposure is widespread and normalised – to the extent children cannot ‘opt-out’. The average age at which children first see pornography is 13. By age nine, 10% had seen pornography, 27% had seen it by age 11 and half of children who had seen pornography had seen it by age 13.”
‘A lot of it is actually just abuse’ Young people and pornography, January 2023
“Sadly, we are hearing from more young people that they are watching pornography and thinking that it is reflective of real life or healthy relationships, which is not the case. This is reflected from what I heard recently from a young person: “Porn is often the starting point for young people when it comes to sex, how to have sex, and what to expect.” – Young woman, 20, first saw pornography aged 10.”
Evidence on pornography’s influence on harmful sexual behaviour among children, May 2023
The findings of the 2022/23 Dignify School Report Survey:
· 40% of children have viewed pornography
· Of those who have viewed porn again, 38% of them have gone on to act out what they have seen
The increasing prevalence of pornography and nude image sharing in schools is cause for huge concern for those working in the education sector. Last year the Children’s Commissioner published the second in a series of reports exploring the impact of pornography on children. The report ‘Evidence on pornography’s influence on harmful sexual behaviour among children’ makes recommendations on the importance of robust and effective RSHE surrounding pornography and harmful sexual behaviours.
Join us for a comprehensive one-day conference designed to equip school leaders with the tools and knowledge necessary to tackle the growing issue of children’s exposure to pornography. This event will explore how early exposure to explicit content is influencing students' understanding of relationships, consent, and gender dynamics. Through expert-led sessions, you will learn how to develop a preventative curriculum that addresses pornography in a sensitive, age-appropriate manner, while creating an environment where students feel safe discussing these challenging topics. Attendees will also gain valuable insights into safeguarding protocols, ensuring legal compliance, and effectively managing incidents involving inappropriate content.
In addition to addressing the educational aspects, this conference will delve into the broader social implications of pornography, such as its impact on gender inequality and the rising influence of harmful online figures. Senior leaders will learn how to confront the challenges posed by image sharing, AI-generated content, and non-consensual exploitation, while fostering a school culture that prioritises respect, consent, and healthy relationships.
Who should attend?
Designated Safeguarding Leads, Deputy DSLs, Pastoral Leads, Headteachers, Assistant Heads, Deputy Heads, PSHE Leads and other senior members of staff with pastoral and safeguarding responsibilities.
This conference will enable you to:
Understand how to incorporate age-appropriate discussions about pornography into sex and relationships education to help students make informed choices
Equip students with critical thinking skills to navigate and evaluate explicit content they may encounter online, promoting digital literacy and healthy media consumption
Explore the dangers of early exposure to pornography, its impact on student behaviour, and the evolving challenges facing schools in addressing these issues
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal responsibilities surrounding pornography, sexting, and underage consumption, ensuring schools remain compliant with safeguarding regulations
Develop effective safeguarding protocols for managing incidents involving pornography, ensuring staff are prepared to handle disclosures and implement best practices in response
Explore the impact of pornography on gender inequality, learning how to address issues related to misogyny, influencers like Andrew Tate, and social media's role in perpetuating harmful stereotypes
Understand the relationship between pornography and students’ understanding of consent, learning practical tools to promote healthy attitudes toward consent and respectful relationships
Learn how to address the rise of AI-generated and inappropriate image sharing, understanding the legal, ethical, and emotional implications for students and schools
Develop strategies for supporting students who are victims of non-consensual image sharing or exploitation, ensuring they receive the appropriate emotional and psychological support
