GROWING UP WITH PORN | INSIGHTS FROM YOUNG NEW ZEALANDERS

Today marks the release of the final stage of our three year NZ Youth & Porn research project. We're excited to bring you the results! Especially now, while we're all in lockdown and spending far more time online than usual. There's never been a better time to listen to what young people have told us they want when it comes to support and guidance in this area.

Following our previous research into how young people are navigating the world of online porn, GROWING UP WITH PORN - INSIGHTS FROM YOUNG NEW ZEALANDERS provides in-depth insights from conversations with more than 50 diverse young people age 14-17 across New Zealand. As regulators in this space, we care about how young people feel, and what they think when it comes to online porn. The results highlighted the importance of asking good questions, and actively listening to their answers. Read our research summary or click the link for our full report.

KEY FINDINGS

1.  Porn is normalised for young people, whether they watch it or not
2.  Porn has become a default learning tool for young people curious about sex
3.  Girls watch porn too, for similar reasons as boys, but see a double standard
4.  Porn can have a negative impact on body image/confidence
5.  They think it can negatively influence sex
6.  Young people think the way adults talk about porn needs to change
7.  Young people want sexuality education that includes information about porn
8.  Young people thought children shouldn’t see porn

Our two biggest takeaways, were the fact that they're looking for more guidance and engagement from trusted figures in their lives when it comes to tackling tough subjects like porn, sex, relationships and consent. We're not talking enough, nor are we talking in the right ways. And they're asking for more comprehensive and consistent education when it comes to sex and relationships. They think porn literacy should be a part of this.

We know for parents this topic can feel overwhelming, so we're here to help. We've put together a number of practical resources to help you upgrade your knowledge, and teach you how to have those awkward conversations. It might feel weird, but the positive benefits of being able to talk honestly and without judgement on these tough topics, are enormous. 

Find them all below, and visit our website for further info. #TalkTogether

HOW TO TALK WITH YOUR TEENS

·  Choose the right moment. A private, quiet time to talk, like a car ride or during an activity that doesn't require intense eye contact.

.   Be open and honest. Acknowledge that this conversation may be awkward.

·  Show respect. Respect their opinions and boundaries; don’t embarrass them by making jokes because you feel uncomfortable.

.   Actively listen. Try to let your own ideas take a back seat and listen deeply to what they're saying. Ask them questions for clarity.

·  Learn from them. Get them to teach you what they know about things like consent.

.   Be patient! It might not go well the first time, but don’t give up: try and try again.