These days, porn is just a click away. Statistics show that 93% of boys and 62% of girls see porn online before turning 18. With access being so easy, it’s clear that some form of exposure is inevitable. Instead of trying to stop teens from watching porn, educators focus on teaching porn literacy. This means helping them understand and think critically about what they see.
Biology teacher Lora Lerner explains that learning about pornography should be seen like media literacy. “Students should know the sources, the impact of what they consume, and how it relates to society,” she says. It’s essential to address how porn can shape unhealthy ideas about sex and relationships.
Young people are impressionable and often look to media for role models. Lerner insists that porn should not be viewed as a guide for sexual behavior. “It’s not about showing what good sex is or how to have it,” she adds. Instead, comprehensive sex education should clarify the difference between real intimacy and what’s shown in porn.
While it’s important to recognize that porn is often unrealistic, it also presents harmful ideas about body image and gender roles. Many portrayals reinforce outdated beliefs, such as men always being dominant and women being submissive. This can lead to negative attitudes in real-life relationships.
Research shows that many women report less satisfaction in sexual experiences compared to men. A staggering 95% of heterosexual men have orgasms during intimacy, while only 65% of heterosexual women do. This imbalance can stem from how sex is presented in porn, where emotional connections are replaced by a purely physical view of relationships.
Worryingly, the lines around consent can also blur in the context of porn. There have been increases in non-consensual behaviors, such as choking, often portrayed without proper context or discussion about consent. Such practices can lead to serious health risks. The lack of condom use in porn further complicates matters, as teens may not learn about safe sex practices, resulting in unintended consequences like STDs or unwanted pregnancies.
Although these issues may not seem immediate in high school, the sex education we receive now is crucial. It lays the foundation for their future interactions with porn and relationships. Stopping teenagers from watching porn might seem tempting, but without proper education on the topic, they may lack the tools to navigate these situations responsibly.
Simply recognizing that porn misrepresents sex is just the beginning. By integrating discussions about gender dynamics and power structures into sex education, students can gain a more comprehensive understanding of these issues. Lerner suggests that these lessons should continue beyond the classroom, equipping students to build healthy, respectful relationships in the future.
At the core, Lerner emphasizes the value of creating meaningful connections with others. “Learn how to treat people well and communicate about consent,” she advises. These skills, she believes, will lead to more fulfilling relationships and a happier life.
