Sex education struggles to keep pace with online porn
In an age when "extremely violent and sadistic imagery is two clicks away", school sex education is struggling to keep pace, a study suggests.
Relationship and sex education should be compulsory in all schools and include time for pupils to discuss the impact of pornography say the authors.
Lessons on relationships should start in primary school, said deputy children's commissioner Sue Berelowitz.
The government said its reforms would help all pupils stay safe online.
The report, led by the University of Middlesex and commissioned by the Office of The Children's Commissioner, suggests some children are exposed to pornography while still at primary school, and the proportion increases with age with "a significant proportion of children and young people" viewing pornography.
Urgent action is needed to develop children's resilience to types of porn that are "very different" to what today's parents may have seen as children, said Ms Berelowitz.
"Just a few clicks away on any mobile phone, on any tablet for example, children can find really graphic depictions of extreme and violent sexual acts."
The report suggests that pornography can affect attitudes and behaviour among children and young people.
Read more... (BBC News - 24 May)