Information sheet: Pornography and young people
This information sheet contains findings from the Children’s Commissioner’s survey of over 1,000 young people aged 16-21, conducted in November 2022. The findings are nationally representative of young people in England. At the end, you will find some resources and ways to access help and support.
Evidence on pornography’s influence on harmful sexual behaviour among children
This paper is the second in a series of reports exploring the impact of pornography on children. As Children’s Commissioner, it is my duty to protect children from harm in both the physical and online worlds. As the Online Safety Bill moves through Parliament, I want to use this opportunity to turn the tide on […]
New evidence on pornography’s influence on harmful sexual behaviour among childrenÂ
New report by Children’s Commissioner for England identifies links between children’s experiences of pornography and subsequent harmful sexual behaviour or abuse 9th May 2023: Testimonies from young people exploring the links between watching violent pornography and experiencing harmful sexual behaviours are highlighted in a new report published today by the Children’s Commissioner for England. The […]
Press release
Growing up with pornography: advice for parents and schools
This week, the Children’s Commissioner published new research into the links between pornography, sexual violence and mental health. The full findings of the Commissioner’s survey of over 1,000 young people and focus groups with teenagers can be found here. The survey finds that there are correlations between early exposure to pornography, frequent consumption of pornography […]
‘A lot of it is actually just abuse’- Young people and pornography
This paper, the first in a series of research reports, makes clear the urgent need to protect children from the harms of online pornography. It is my duty as Children’s Commissioner to champion young people’s views and voices, and to ensure that all children enjoy the freedom to grow up safely and happily, both online […]
Research into the impact of pornography on children
On the final day of the Children’s Commissioner’s online safety week, the Commissioner shares detail about her new research into the role of pornography in shaping harmful behaviours among children. When I took on my role as Children’s Commissioner, in March 2021, I already knew that there was a serious issue with sexual harassment and […]
The Children’s Commissioner’s view on artificial intelligence (AI)Â
In recent years there has been a huge increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, both in terms of the number of products available on the market and their use by consumers. It is clear there are advantages to the use of AI, but there is still so much that is not yet […]
Digital playgrounds – Children’s views on gaming
Part of the statutory role of the Children’s Commissioner is to consider the views and interests of children. Both are important parts of my role, but sometimes they can be in competition. Listening to children is a principle I hold incredibly tight, but I can see that listening uncritically to children’s views on certain issues […]
Protecting children from serious violenceÂ
‘I think in certain areas we ain’t provided with lots to do and that makes kids fend for their own type of fun and most of us just end up hanging out on the street. This causes knife crime and stuff like that’ – Girl, aged 14 (The Big Ask). Recent months have been heavy […]
Celebrating the RE Council’s 50th Anniversary
Draft speaking notes – speech to the RE Council Speech 3rd May 2023 Thank you so much. It’s a pleasure to be here with you today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the RE Council. I qualified as an RE teacher in 1991, after my degree in Theology and Philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London […]
Protecting children in the digital age
Keynote Speech at St Mary’s SARC conference ‘Protecting children in the digital age’ Thank you so much for having me here to speak today. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank St Mary’s, and all of you here today, for the work you do with children. My team have recently been speaking to […]
Community: the year ahead
My goal for the pillar of the office’s work on ‘Community’ is that, whether online or in their communities, they have safe places to play and grow up, and have confidence in the adults whose job it is to protect them. Last year (2022-23), the office delivered a huge amount of work aimed at helping […]
Archived Content
Children’s Commissioner welcomes findings that 75% of people think impact of sexting and pornography should be taught in schools
Unfortunately, many children are exposed to images and content that are inappropriate for them to see.
The impact of online pornography on children and young people
A quantitative and qualitative examination of the impact of online pornography on the values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of children and young people, commissioned by the Children’s Commissioner for England and the NSPCC and carried out by Middlesex University.
Anne Longfield’s comment on the Government’s consultation on implementing age checks on pornography websites
Much of what is depicted in online pornography would not be considered acceptable in real life and that is why it is vital that the Government consultation announced today results in urgent action.
Response to List Of Issues Submitted under Optional Protocol on sale of child pornography, etc.
Response to list of issues on the UK’s initial report submitted under the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography
Six key priorities for after the general election: What should a new government do for children and young people?
With the delivery of the final Budget of the current government last Wednesday and less than 50 days to go until the General Election on 7 May, my thoughts, like many other,s are inevitably turning to what might happen after.
Anne Longfield: Why is PSHE so important?
What is PSHE and why is it so important?
Anne Longfield: My first week as Children’s Commissioner and my immediate priorities
It’s the end of my first week as Children’s Commissioner for England and what a fantastic week it has been! I am determined to use my six year term to make the country a better place for all children and young people to grow up in. I will be drawing on my 30 years’ experience campaigning […]
Submission to Pre-Sessional Working Group of the UNCRC
Submission to the pre-sessional working group of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s implementation of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography
Basically Porn is Everywhere
A Rapid Evidence Assessment on the Effects that Access and Exposure to Pornography has on Children and Young People