Porn and the young mind
Baroness Gabby Bertin Raises Alarm Over the Impact of Violent Online Pornography
By Marie o’Nealle
London – Baroness Gabby Bertin, co-chair of the All-party Parliamentary Group on Domestic Violence and Abuse, has spoken out against the widespread availability of violent online pornography, warning of its damaging effects on young minds and its role in normalizing extreme sexual violence. Her concerns come amid growing public debate over the influence of explicit content on attitudes toward relationships, consent, and abuse.
During a recent inquiry, Bertin discovered online platforms hosting content labeled with disturbing terms such as “incest,” “attack,” and “force.” She argued that such material fosters a culture where aggression and coercion in sexual encounters are trivialized and even glamorized, particularly among adolescents who are increasingly exposed to explicit content at a young age.
“The reality is that young people are accessing this material before they’ve had any real-world experience with relationships, consent, and respect,” Bertin stated. “This exposure is shaping their expectations in deeply harmful ways.”
Research has consistently shown a correlation between the consumption of violent pornography and an increase in harmful sexual behaviors, including coercion and a lack of empathy toward victims of abuse. Experts warn that the normalization of extreme content can desensitize individuals to violence and contribute to broader societal issues, including gender-based violence.
Bertin is calling for urgent regulatory action to address the accessibility of such material, particularly to minors. She has urged tech companies and legislators to introduce stricter content moderation policies and age verification measures to prevent children and teenagers from being exposed to explicit and potentially damaging content.
This issue has sparked renewed calls for greater transparency and responsibility within the adult content industry. While some platforms have implemented safeguards, critics argue that loopholes in online regulations continue to allow violent and exploitative material to be easily accessible.
Advocacy groups have rallied behind Bertin’s statements, supporting her push for policy changes that would hold content providers accountable. “We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the effects of this industry on our children and society as a whole,” said one spokesperson from a leading domestic violence prevention organization.
The debate over online pornography regulation remains contentious, with free speech advocates cautioning against overly restrictive policies. However, Baroness Bertin maintains that protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly adolescents, must take precedence over profit-driven interests.
As discussions continue in Parliament, Bertin’s call for reform has intensified pressure on both lawmakers and digital platforms to act swiftly in addressing the harmful influence of violent pornography. The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for the future of internet regulation, content moderation, and societal attitudes toward sexual violence and consent.
