Controversy over the effect of pornography on children takes a new twist in Australia. Sex workers are now suggesting that children should not be kept in the dark about sex and pornography. Scarlet Alliance, Australia's sex workers' association, proposes that censorship is not the answer, but proper education on pornography.
The Sydney Morning Herald cites Children's Safety Commissioner Alastair MacGibbon on stating that the rise in using of portable gadgets (e.g., smartphones and tablets) has dramatically increased access to sex and pornography. The Australian Medical Association points out that the internet is a common avenue for the young to be exposed to sex and pornography.
The repercussions on children of internet sex and pornography alone in Australia have been keeping the Senate busy. Both culturally and legally, children are protected from sex and pornography in any form on any media until the age of consent.
Scarlet Alliance, however, claims that pornography and sex workers are only being used as scapegoats for the bigger ills in the community. "It is easier to blame sex workers and porn for misogyny and violence than to acknowledge that violence against women, sexual assault and sex education are issues that need to be dealt with by society at a foundational level," the alliance said.
According to sex workers, education will enable children to handle exposure to the ongoing proliferation of pornography. Scarlet Alliance believes that communication with parents and teachers rather than censorship, or even filter, of sex and pornography on the internet will yield more benefit. With such a measure, sex workers says that children can be assisted in understanding that pornography is simply fiction. Pornography is not necessarily about regular sex and relationship.
The Courier Mail points out that sex education has become mandatory in many, but not all, schools in Australia. As of now, sex education is still being refined to guide young people towards understanding sex, responsibility and their body.
Pornography education, however, is still a whole other level. Debates are ongoing over its mental and emotional effect as well as damage on children due to exposure to sex and pornography.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists points to ongoing findings that a child or adolescent, who is exposed to sex and pornography, may display behavioral distortion. Further research will need to be conducted before pornography education, as proposed by sex workers, can be safely implemented.
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