Understanding the Harms of Pornography
Pornography is often presented as harmless entertainment, but its potential impact on individuals, relationships and young people deserves greater attention. From early exposure to unrealistic expectations about intimacy, pornography can influence how people understand consent, sexuality and healthy relationships.
Growing up exposed to pornography
Pornography is increasingly encountered at a young age, sometimes before children understand what they are seeing. Research by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner found that 74.8% of surveyed adolescents aged 16–18 had encountered online pornography. Of those, 39.1% first encountered it before age 13, while 28.1% had received pornography without their consent (eSafety Commissioner, 2025).
For example, a young teenager might encounter explicit content through a social media feed or a link sent by a classmate. Rather than choosing to engage with it, they may feel shocked, embarrassed or confused.
Australian teenagers have described these encounters as uncomfortable and difficult to avoid, raising concerns about the impact on their understanding of sex, boundaries and relationships (eSafety Commissioner, 2025).
When pornography becomes the blueprint
Pornography is produced for entertainment, not as an educational resource. It may portray unrealistic body standards, prioritise performance over emotional connection, and fail to demonstrate clear communication, contraception or mutual consent (eSafety Commissioner).
Consider a young person whose early understanding of intimacy comes primarily from pornography rather than comprehensive relationships and sexuality education.
They may develop unrealistic expectations about how their partner should look or behave, or mistakenly assume that what they see on screen reflects what someone wants in real life.
Without reliable education, distinguishing fantasy from respectful, consensual intimacy can become more difficult.
Consent, aggression and relationships
Concerns also arise when pornography depicts aggression, degrading treatment or sexual stereotypes without meaningful communication or consequences.
The Australian Institute of Family Studies (2016) identified research linking pornography exposure with concerns about gender attitudes, sexual behaviours and attitudes supportive of sexual violence.
In a real-life scenario, someone might pressure their partner to imitate an act they have watched online, assuming it should be acceptable because it appeared in a video. If their partner feels uncomfortable, that pressure can undermine their autonomy and boundaries.
Consent must be freely given, ongoing and mutual – watching pornography does not change that responsibility.
Why awareness matters
The potential harms of pornography extend beyond what appears on a screen. They include unwanted exposure, distorted expectations, pressure within relationships and confusion about consent. These risks should be addressed without shaming individuals or assuming everyone has the same experience.
Education, open conversations and stronger online safeguards can help young people develop a healthier understanding of intimacy. Parents, educators and communities can reinforce that real relationships are built on respect, communication, equality and care and not performance.
At Pink Cross Foundation Australia, raising awareness means creating space for honest conversations about pornography, exploitation and wellbeing. By looking beyond the screen, we can help build a culture in which every person’s dignity, safety and boundaries are respected.
Australian Institute of Family Studies (2016) The effects of pornography on children and young people: An evidence scan. Melbourne: AIFS. Available at: https://aifs.gov.au/all-research/research-reports/effects-pornography-children-and-young-people
eSafety Commissioner (2025a) Adolescent encounters with online pornography. Available at: https://www.esafety.gov.au/research/adolescent-encounters-with-online-pornography
eSafety Commissioner (2025b) Teenagers speak out on their unintentional exposure to online porn. Available at: https://www.esafety.gov.au/research/teenagers-speak-out-on-their-unintentional-exposure-to-online-porn
eSafety Commissioner. Pornography: Risks and safeguards. Available at: https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/staying-safe/pornography
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