Recent studies for the Children’s Commissioner for England have revealed that children as young as nine are being exposed to online pornography. This alarming exposure rate to such explicit material can have long-term effects on children’s mental and emotional health, which can further manifest into various socio-economic problems in the future.
The study conducted by the Children’s Commissioner for England found that 9-11-year-olds, as well as 12-13-year-olds, are exposed to various explicit material, including sexual images, videos, and websites, which is a huge concern for parents and policymakers alike.
The data collected from the study suggests that exposure to such content is often through social media platforms and that children are more likely to stumble upon pornography when using their mobile phones than when using a computer.
Researchers of the study concluded that the widespread availability of such explicit material is putting our children at risk, as it could potentially lead to an increase in risky behavior, mental health issues, and a greater risk of sexual exploitation.
Experts have also pointed out that there is an urgent need to create age-appropriate education and support for parents and children to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to stay safe online. It is also essential that parents remain aware of their children’s online activity and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of their kids.
The study’s findings have raised serious questions about the need for stricter regulation of online pornography, as the current laws can no longer keep up with the rapid technological advancements.
It is important to note that this concerning trend of children being exposed to explicit material is not limited to England. However, it can be seen worldwide as the accessibility of the internet continues to increase.
Ultimately, we need to take a comprehensive approach to this issue and develop solutions that ensure our children’s online safety. As parents, we must take our responsibility seriously and take steps to ensure our children’s online safety. Moreover, policymakers need to create robust regulations to protect our children from such explicit content.