Director, Online Safety Reform and Research Section Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications Research released by Telstra in 2015 said that more than two-thirds (68 per cent) of children aged three to 17 own a smartphone and an average of 21 hours and 48 minutes per week is spent on such devices. Tragically, five-year-old children searching the word ‘porn’ on their mobile phone browsers immediately access explicit hard-core pornography, showing close-up sexual intercourse. A recent search by FamilyVoice showed the top site offered a choice of 16 free explicit videos, all with explicit sexual intercourse, some portraying incest or sex with students, and links to a wider selection of porn. No restrictions, no payment required, videos already playing as the viewer scrolls down. Service providers should ensure that any explicitly sexual content should be hidden from all Australian viewers and accessed only by verification of adult status.

Director, Online Safety Reform and Research Section Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications There are many recent examples of children being traumatized by porn. A seven-year-old Victorian student allegedly sexually abused classmates in the playground, and the behaviour of a four-year-old boy from South Australia was so sexualized he had to be chaperoned at all times, in case he starts playing “sex games” with the other children. Australian academic Michael Flood has stated, “Pornography is becoming a primary sex educator for boys and young men, displacing explanations from parents, formal instruction in schools, and even conversations with peers. However, what they learn from pornography websites is kinky practices which strip sex of intimacy, loving affection, and human connection. And they learn that women are always ready for sex and have insatiable sexual appetites.” To protect children, service providers should ensure that any explicitly sexual content being delivered through mobile phones, tablets or PCs should be hidden from all Australian viewers and accessed only by verification of adult status.

Director, Online Safety Reform and Research Section Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications The federal government has said, “The rules and protections we enjoy offline should also apply online.” Currently, a child wishing to purchase, hire or view R18+ films (content high in impact, offensive to adults) may be asked for proof of age, and a child wishing to purchase, hire or view X18+ films (content with actual sexual intercourse and other sexual activity) must produce proof of age. However, five-year-old children searching the word ‘porn’ on their mobile phone browsers will immediately access explicit hard-core pornography, showing close-up sexual intercourse. Internet service providers should ensure that any explicitly sexual content should be hidden from all Australian viewers and accessed only by verification of adult status. Please keep kids safe.

Director, Online Safety Reform and Research Section Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications Sue Dunlevy, National Health Correspondent for The Advertiser, said in 2016 that more than half of all teenage girls are receiving uninvited sexually explicit material on the internet and say their boyfriends are pressuring them to send sexy photos online. And they are pleading for a crackdown on the problem of online pornography that is influencing men’s attitudes towards women. A survey of 600 Australian girls aged 15-19 by aid agency Plan International has found eight out of 10 believe it is unacceptable for their boyfriend to ask them for a naked photo. However half the girls said there was pressure to take sexual photos and share them online. “We need some sort of crack down on the violent pornography that is currently accessible to boys and men,” an 18-year-old girl told the survey. “This violent pornography should be illegal to make or view in Australia as we clearly have a problem with violence, and boys are watching a lot of pornography which can be very violent … This is influencing men’s attitude towards women and what they think is acceptable. Violent pornography is infiltrating Australian relationships,” she said. The Australian government should ensure all internet service providers hide any explicitly sexual content from Australian viewers and that it be accessed only by verification of adult status. A crackdown on online porn is needed.