Educator Sounds Alarm on Rising Exposure of Young Children to Graphic Pornographic Content
Mary Sharpe stated that exposure to graphic material online is causing children’s neural pathways to be ‘desensitised’ and rewired.
An expert in internet dangers, particularly online pornography, has issued a warning about children encountering harmful content at younger ages.
During an interview with NTD’s Lee Hall for the “British Thought Leaders” program, Mary Sharpe, CEO of The Reward Foundation, highlighted the significant impact early exposure to online pornography can have on children’s mental and physical health, as well as their future relationships.
Sharpe also raised concerns about the multi-billion dollar porn industry working to suppress research on the harms of porn addiction.
Children
Sharpe emphasized the severe consequences when children are exposed to online pornography at an early age.
She mentioned, “And one of the worst areas is child-on-child sexual abuse.”
According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), the majority of child sexual abuse material is perpetrated by children. The early exposure to pornography leads children to believe that behaviors like sending nude images and being coercive are normal, as that is what they see online.
Statistics from NSPCC’s Childline for 2021/2022 revealed that 31% of counseling sessions on child sexual abuse and exploitation noted a child as the perpetrator of the abuse.
Sharpe stressed the importance of parents educating themselves and recommended resources like “Your Brain on Porn” by Gary Wilson, along with guides available on their website.
She highlighted that children’s neural pathways are strengthened through activities like study, sports, social interaction, and learning various skills.
However, excessive time spent online gaming, consuming porn, and engaging in social media can also shape neural pathways negatively. As the brain develops, it prunes unused or potential pathways, making it difficult to acquire new skills or change behaviors in later years.
Running Interference
Sharpe mentioned how the porn industry actively works to suppress key information from reaching the general public.
She explained, “For example, the porn industry engages in interference, such as manipulating peer reviews and discouraging journalists from covering stories. Many women journalists have been intimidated by industry representatives when trying to address the impact of pornography on relationships.”
