Pornography-related harms are not inevitable. Practical, evidence-based action can reduce harm, improve support for those affected, and help create healthier relationships and communities. These recommendations, taken from our report ‘Pornography Is Causing A Public Health Crisis’, outline the key steps that government and public bodies can take to reduce the harms of pornography.
nhs-backed guidance
Developing NHS-backed information and resources to improve public understanding of pornography-related harms and signposting individuals to appropriate support.
public awareness CAmpaigns
Improving public awareness of pornography-related harms through evidence-based campaigns and health warnings for pornography websites that reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking and promote informed decision-making.
educate about pornography’s health harms
Strengthen relationships and sex education, with rigorous Ofsted oversight, to ensure children and young people receive evidence-based teaching on the pornography industry, its health harms (including addiction), its impact on attitudes towards women and relationships, and where to find support, rather than limited lessons that simply explain what pornography is.
Training for Professionals
Provide training for professionals, including teachers, GPs, healthcare professionals, youth workers and counsellors, to recognise and respond to pornography-related harms, supported by national guidance and professional standards.
improve access to Support services
Improving access to support services for individuals, children and families experiencing pornography-related harms, including clear referral pathways and greater awareness among healthcare professionals and frontline practitioners.
Strengthen age verification
Continuing to strengthen prevention and early intervention efforts, such as Age Verification measures for pornography websites and device level restrictions for explicit content, ensuring these measures are implemented, monitored and enforced robustly.
government leadership
Assigning clear government leadership by making a single government department responsible for coordinating policy on pornography-related harms.
Develop a national strategy
Developing a national strategy to reduce pornography harms, bringing together research, prevention, education, treatment and public awareness initiatives within a coherent framework.
Cross-sector collaboration
Encouraging cross-sector collaboration between government, health services, schools, charities, researchers and community organisations to support a coordinated public health response.
invest in research
Increasing investment in research alongside implementing these other recommendations to evaluate impact and strengthen understanding of the prevalence, causes and impacts of pornography-related harms, particularly through longitudinal studies.
