Parents should engage in open discussions with their teenagers about viewing pornography, even if it's uncomfortable.

Research from Common Sense Media indicates that, on average, children encounter pornography by the age of twelve, whether intentionally or accidentally.

As young as ten, some children access content that shapes their perceptions of sex and relationships. Alarmingly, less than half of those studied discuss what they see with a trusted adult. This concern is shared by parents and caregivers who worry about the reinforcing of unrealistic and potentially harmful representations.

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According to Alex Cooney, CEO of CyberSafeKids, there's a pressing need for more dialogue at home and in schools about topics like consent, boundaries, body image, and healthy relationships.

Fiona, a mother of three, shares the common worry about her children accessing inappropriate content online. Despite her vigilance, she has encountered explicit material on her child's device. She emphasizes the ease of access to free content, particularly for curious adolescents.

Her teenage son has even received unsolicited messages offering explicit material and services for payment, which she views as a form of exploitation. Fiona acknowledges the challenges of monitoring her child's online activities and believes education is crucial in guiding his understanding of appropriate behavior.

While she finds it unrealistic to confiscate her son's smartphone, she hopes that through education, he will recognize harmful content for what it is.

Cooney stresses the responsibility of tech companies in protecting young users from harmful content. She believes current age verification methods and warnings are insufficient deterrents.

Recent advancements have included the passing of legislative acts such as the Harassment, Harmful Communications, and Related Offences Act (2021) and The Online Safety Media Regulations Act (2022). Commonly referred to as "Coco's Law," the former specifically addresses issues related to sharing intimate images online and addresses serious cases of online bullying and harassment, according to Cooney.

Despite these positive developments, Cooney expresses uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of accountability and enforcement measures.

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Sarah Sproule, an occupational therapist and sex educator, acknowledges the challenges parents face in discussing pornography with their children. She emphasizes the importance of initiating these conversations, noting that while teens may assert their independence, they still require support from trusted adults.

If a parent discovers their teen is accessing inappropriate material online despite efforts to block such content, Sproule recommends first confronting their own fears before engaging in a conversation with their teen. She advises parents to acknowledge the allure of erotic content while also highlighting its potential harm in reinforcing gender stereotypes and body image concerns, as well as its failure to depict the importance of consent in intimate relationships.

Sproule suggests utilizing strategies outlined in Dr. Karen Rayne's book "Breaking the Hush Factor," which encourages asking thoughtful questions to foster connection rather than simply providing information. She also recommends additional resources such as "Drawn to Sex: The Basics" and "Let's Talk about It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships and Being a Human" by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan.

Cooney stresses the need for a comprehensive update to the school curriculum to prioritize online safety and digital literacy within the Irish education system. She highlights the outdated nature of the current Media Literacy curriculum in primary schools, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the evolving digital landscape and children's increased access to technology. Cooney also advocates for better support for parents, citing initiatives such as the 'SameRulesApply' campaign by CyberSafeKids, which aims to equip parents with resources and guidance for parenting their children in the online realm.