Press Notice: Children see violent pornography by accident, via social media and as young as six – new research from the Children’s Commissioner reveals
More children report seeing pornography online than two years ago, with more stumbling across it by accident and some aged as young as six – new research by the Children’s Commissioner finds. New data from children aged 16 to 21 proves that despite major efforts to hold tech firms accountable for the content served up […]
Youth Voices: Children and pornography
We conducted a survey and spoke to children and young people to understand what their online lives look like, so we can check that the new rules make them safer. In this survey, 70% reported they had seen it. My report highlights how little has changed in the two years since my first report on […]
“Sex is kind of broken now”: children and pornography
This report is among the most sobering my office has ever published. It paints a stark picture of what childhood looks like in 2025 with an online world that is, in many ways, completely unfit for children. As Children’s Commissioner, I have heard from a million children, parents and carers. Without fail, they all tell […]
“We need you to protect us” – some hard truths about children’s access to pornography
The way children understand the world is being shaped by what they see online. They have access to news and entertainment and social networks that can expand their opportunities in really positive ways – but many children tell me that this increased connectivity is actually making them feel more isolated. Since becoming Children’s Commissioner my […]
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 children
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 […]
Statement from the Children’s Commissioner on the social media ban for under 16s
Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said: “Children have told me time and again that they want to be protected online. My research showed that too many young people see pornography – and that the most common way to see it is accidentally on social media. Many children say they want to spend less time […]
The need to ensure all children are safe online, not just under 16s
A version of the below blog appeared on Politics Home. As Children’s Commissioner I have been clear that all online services – not just social media platforms – that use harmful features and functionalities should be banned from access to children. The government is due to respond to the consultation on banning social media for […]
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
Briefing on the full Government response to the Online Harms White Paper
Three years since the publication of a Green Paper, and over 18 months since a White Paper, the Government has announced its final plans for a new Online Safety Bill. The Children’s Commissioner welcomes this groundbreaking legislation, which is a significant step forward in combatting online harms. There is now much work to be done […]
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