Porn literacy is about asking questions which can help young people better understand the impact sexualised materials can have on relationships and lives.

An important aspect of this is remembering that what is shown in these images and videos doesn’t reflect the real-life sexual activity that most people have.

Expectations vs. Reality

When thinking critically about porn, it can help to think about the bits that we don’t see. Things that are not included in the shared materials are:

• Actors negotiating contracts and getting paid for what they do
• Safer sex discussions and strategies, and actors getting STI tests
• Conversations about what actors are/aren’t consenting to do
• Crew members setting up camera angles, lighting and directing
• Lunch breaks
• Mistakes, bloopers, and outtakes

Porn may be enjoyed for inspiration, but using porn as education and thinking you then know how to have sex is wrong. Some young people may begin to assume that their real-life relationships should be like what they see in porn, which can lead to problems for themselves and their partner.

It’s true that some young people use and enjoy porn and many don’t. Some have become concerned about how they use it. And worry they may be viewing too much, or feel they may be addicted to it. There is no scale to give advice for what is “normal” or “right”. But if you recognise that it is causing problems for you then we would advise that you reach out and speak to a young person’s service about this.