Pragmatic Parents: Support for Regulation and Education for Young People Accessing Pornography

Abstract Introduction Australian young people are viewing pornography frequently, prompting discussion about regulatory approaches, such as age assurance technologies alongside literacy education. Parents are important sexuality educators and mediators of young people’s online activity, warranting exploration of their views. Method Interviews were conducted with 20 parents and carers of at least one adolescent, exploring views towards the pornography industry, young people’s access and contemporary educative and regulatory responses. Data underwent reflexive thematic analysis. Results Parents believed pornography should be available for adults, but not children, citing concern for children’s unintended encounters. Parents preferred, yet did not endorse, curious adolescents intentionally seeking pornography. Feminist or ethical pornography was a preferred concession but deemed not as widely available. Parents wanted greater regulation to ensure ethical pornography production. Restrictions such as age verification were supported however its effectiveness at preventing purposeful seeking was uncertain, and counter-productive to parents preferred response for education. Parents support adolescent sexual exploration and access to evidence-based pornography education. Conclusions Parents support carefully implemented restrictions to prevent children unintentionally encountering pornography. This will allow them time to hold educative discussions before young people potentially seek pornography for pleasure and exploration. Policy Implications Age-assurance technology could be an effective solution to preventing unwanted encounters with pornography. Morally-neutral education via open conversations centring young people’s experiences and views is recommended, delivered in homes and schools via a whole-school approach. Restrictions should not impede access to essential sexual health information. Strengthening pornography industry regulation to ensure ethical production was supported.