‘Shocking’ porn statistics

Shocking numbers of children are addicted to online porn and political action must be taken, the charity CARE has warned.

Around 60% of under-18s are addicted to online porn, according to research from Paracelsus Recovery – which also revealed a 150% increase in people being treated for porn addiction between 2019 and 2023.

Louise Davies, director of advocacy and policy at CARE, said: ‘The research illustrates the astonishing scope of porn consumption and addiction in society, including among children … Polling commissioned by CARE found that eight in ten UK adults want age checks on porn sites, and six in ten fear porn is inspiring sexual violence.’

She added: ‘There are also huge fears relating to artificial intelligence, which must urgently be considered. The pornography industry cannot be allowed to act with impunity anymore. There is a moral obligation for action that leads to vulnerable groups being protected.’

Meanwhile, the government has issued a ‘call for evidence’ into pornography’s impact on society. It forms part of its wider review of the legal landscape following the passing of the Online Safety Act last October.

Views are being sought on ‘the impact of pornographic content on relationships, sexual behaviours, mental health and people’s views of women and girls’.