As you grow up, it’s normal to be curious about sex. You may have questions and wonder about what you see online.
There are many types of pornography sites. For some sites, you may need to be 18 years or older to get into them.
It’s a good idea to look at the content ratings and reviews so you know if it’s safe for your age.
What is online pornography and sexting?
Pornography includes pictures and videos that show naked bodies or sexual activity. When pornography is online, you can see it on digital devices, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet. While some people use
pornography for sexual excitement, you might also use online pornography for information about sex or because you are curious.
Online pornography is often easy to access and doesn’t cost much. Since you don’t have to go to a store or be around others to get online pornography, more people use it and get addicted to it.
Sexting is sending or receiving sexual information, like pictures, messages, or videos on an electronic device. Sexting is becoming a common way for youth to communicate and sexually express themselves. A
sext refers to a sexually explicit message, photo, or video sent via electronic devices, typically through text messaging or social media platforms.
It’s important to know that publicly sharing naked pictures or videos of anyone under the age of 18 is illegal (not legal) and considered child pornography.
You can legally share a photo or video if you are over 18 years of age, if the image is voluntarily sent between individuals of a similar age, if the image does not depict abuse or assault, and if the image stays private (it is not
posted or shared with others).
While consensual sexting between adults is legal, sharing this type of sexually explicit content without the subject's consent is a violation of privacy and can have serious legal implications.
How common is online pornography use and sexting?
- A Canadian study of 470 teens and preteens showed that more than 9 out of 10 have seen pornography. The average age they first looked for or saw pornography was 12 years old. And 3 out of 10 saw it as young as age 10.
- 1 in 5 youth see sexual material online without wanting to or meaning to.
- Up to 3 out of 10 youth have sexted. And as they get older, sexting is more common.
Why can sexting be a problem?
Sexting can be a problem because there is no guarantee your photos and videos will stay private. It is impossible to completely control your photos and videos. You can’t unsend a sext and it is easy for others to take a screenshot.
Sometimes unexpected things happen, like a breakup, and the person might share your sexts.
Social networks can also be hacked, which could expose your photos and videos.
If you are going to sext, here are a few ways to do it more safely:
- Don’t include your name in the photo or video.
- Don’t include anything in the photo or video that could be used to identify you, like the name of your school.
- Consider not showing your face or any features, such as tattoos or birthmarks, that could be used to identify you.
- Consider using a messaging service where you can encrypt the photo or video.
- Send the message in a private space where no one else can see what you are sending.
If someone has shared or threatened to share your intimate images without your consent, it is important to act right away to protect your rights and well-being. Find information about how to respond in such situations and other online
safety tips from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Why can using online pornography be a problem?
When you use online pornography, you may compare yourself to the people you see. This can lead to negative thoughts about yourself. It may also make you feel less attractive or that you don’t meet the sexual expectations of others.
Pornography can also incorrectly shape your ideas about what sex is like, how people might behave in potential sexual situations, and what is acceptable and desirable. For example, a lot of pornography depicts aggression, especially
towards women.
Watching online pornography can lead to other problems that can last into your adult life.
Emotional and social problems may include:
- spending less time with others or feeling like you don’t belong
- bonding less with your parents or guardians
- creating child pornography without meaning to, which may lead to legal problems
- symptoms of depression, such as feeling very sad and hopeless
- feeling shame, guilt, anxiety, and confusion
- not being able to develop good social bonds when you’re an adult
Relationship problems may include:
- seeing others as objects or things, instead of as people or individuals (not respecting others)
- harmful values, beliefs, and attitudes about sex
- acting in a way that makes others feel uncomfortable
- thinking often about sex and having many sexual partners
- becoming more aggressive in your sexual behaviour (if you watch violent pornography)
Addiction and other health issues may include:
- having a hard time controlling your use of pornography
- not being able to stop using it even though it interferes with your life
- using or misusing drugs and alcohol
- health problems related to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as using pornography in situations that can put you at risk of physical or mental harm
- being less able to have healthy sexual encounters because of unrealistic expectations
What can put me at risk of problems when using online pornography?
There are many things that can put you at a higher risk for problems or an addiction. Some of these things can’t be easily changed on your own.
You may be at risk of having issues with online pornography if you:
- don’t have many friends
- only have online friends
- are very shy
- prefer to spend time alone than with others
- have a mental health issue, such as substance use or a mood or anxiety disorder
- have experienced a physical, sexual, or social trauma
Research shows that if you tend to follow what your peers do, you may be more likely to share and watch pornography.
Body image concerns, negative life experiences, and relationship problems are linked to a higher risk for developing an online pornography addiction.
How do I know if I have a problem with online pornography?
If you’re a youth, you may have a problem with online pornography if you:
- spend a lot of time online and often away from others
- clear your browser history often after looking at pornography
- have less interest in doing things you enjoy (like school or sports)
- spend less time with friends and family
- use more sexual language
- get frustrated, anxious, or angry when you can’t go online to watch pornography
If you struggle with pornography use or sexting, you’re not alone. But it’s important to be responsible when you’re online and when you use computers and other digital devices.
Also remember that others can see what you do online.
Talk with an adult you trust about:
- questions you have about sex – online pornography is not the best place to learn about sex.
- looking at pornography online
- how much time you think about sex, look at online pornography, and take part in sexting
- getting help to cut down on how much time you spend looking at pornography online
For help and support, contact the Recovery Alberta Addiction Helpline at
1-866-332-2322 (toll free in Alberta). Recovery Alberta also has a list of
mental health and addiction helplines for immediate help or support, as well as to access services in Alberta.
You might be thinking:
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Remember that:
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“How bad can looking at porn really be?”
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Online sexual content often sends messages about sexuality that are unrealistic and potentially harmful. Having unrealistic expectations of intimate partners may interfere with your ability to build and keep healthy
relationships.
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“How is looking at porn online any different than looking at magazines?”
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More pornographic images and content are reaching children and youth online. This is often in the form of pop-ups. Online pornography is quite different than pictures in a pornographic magazine because it’s easier for youth
to get, cheaper, and private. These features make online pornography more common and sometimes more socially accepted than looking at magazines.
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“All of my friends are doing it and I want to fit in and sound experienced.”
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Online pornography doesn’t need to be your only source of sex education. There are more reliable sources of information. Talk to your parents, caregivers, or healthcare providers. You can also find information you can trust
on reliable health websites, like MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
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“I like how I feel when I watch porn.”
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It’s normal to feel sexual excitement and arousal when you look at pornography. Don’t feel ashamed, embarrassed, or scared that there’s something wrong with you. But it’s important to know that if you watch it too much, you
can get addicted to it.
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“My sex education needs are different from others.”
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Everyone’s sex education needs are different. You may want sexual health information that’s different from someone who’s straight (heterosexual) or cisgender (someone who identifies the same as the sex they were born with).
If you need more information, talk to a counsellor, teacher, your parents, or a trusted adult.
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“I’m transgender and I can’t find the sexual images I’m looking for other than on pornography sites.
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It may be hard to find safe sexual images of transgender people. Ask an adult to help you find a safe and healthy way to view videos and images you find online. You can also visit
Alberta Health Services' LGBTQ2S+ / Sexual and Gender Diversity for trusted information.
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“I feel like I’m watching more violent porn than I used to.”
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Online pornography can have higher levels of sexual content, sexual violence, and stereotyped content related to gender than other forms of pornography. In some cases, this type of content may cause interest and the release
of hormones that affect your brain and how you behave. The release of these hormones and how they make you feel may lead you to look for more violent types of content.
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See the Resources section for more information.