Online Pornography Workshop
Are you concerned about young people in your care accessing online pornography? Whether intentional or accidental, exposure to porn can lead to a range of harms, from embarrassment to mental health issues and even trauma or legal issues.
Teachers, parents and others responsible for child protection can help educate and safeguard those in their care through a 2020 Dreams Online Pornography workshop.
Online Pornography is a Growing Risk
Research has shown that, unsurprisingly, the risk of children being exposed to online porn has risen along with the exploding popularity of the internet.
While some young people actively seek x-rated content, as part of healthy sexual curiosity, most come across it unwillingly. Some are even targeted by cyberbullies who send them pornographic content (or links to porn) as part of a campaign of sexual harassment.
Even those youths who deliberately visit pornographic websites and watch explicit videos can come across extreme and graphic material that they are not prepared for. In addition to the psychological harm that can come from viewing online pornography, young people can also pick up unhealthy and inaccurate information about issues such as gender equality, consent, relationships and safe sex.
As with most hazards of our online world, the best form of protection for children is to equip them with the skills to defend themselves.
Grooming, Child abuse, Sextortion & the Dark Web
While accessing legal pornography online can be harmful to children and teenagers, there are even worse dangers that can ruin young people’s lives.
Online grooming is a process whereby one person (usually an adult or older child), gains the trust of another (usually a younger child) with the purpose of exploiting them. In many cases, the perpetrator has a sexual motive. Online pornography is often used as a tool to attract and/or control the victim. For example, if the target is persuaded to send nudes, the perpetrator may then threaten to report or share them. This is called sextortion.
Viewing and sharing online pornography featuring young people under the age of consent is illegal. This is another danger of visiting pornographic websites.
Some teenagers will be drawn towards exploring the dark web, which also contains explicit and illegal pornographic material.
2020 Dreams Online Pornography Workshops
2020 Dreams Online Pornography workshops tackle the issue head-on. Our sensitive and experienced facilitators help young people to discuss and think about the impact of online pornography in a safe and supportive environment. No pornographic content is used in the workshops, but the issues are explored through moderated youth-led discussion forums and carefully designed role-play exercises. Workshops can be delivered via PowerPoint or interactive engagement.
While relatively few young people encounter porn before starting secondary school, some primary-age children do search for and share it. We believe it is never too early to start educating young people about how to protect themselves, and the harm caused by accessing porn.
We are happy to deliver our workshops anywhere in the UK, and if there is a specific topic area you want to focus on (e.g. sexting, gender equality, consent, etc.) please let us know. We can design a customised workshop just for you.
We are very experienced in catering to young people from different cultural and religious backgrounds and will pitch our content appropriately.
If you prefer to create your own programmes on this topic, we offer consultation and training packages too.
To find out more or to make a booking, please contact our friendly team, either by emailing hello@2020dreams.org.uk or calling 0800 471 4983.
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