Should it be banned for all? From July, all porn websites must have strict age checks to prevent UK children from accessing them. But some argue that the new rules do not go far enough.
Under-18s set to be blocked from porn
Should it be banned for all? From July, all porn websites must have strict age checks to prevent UK children from accessing them. But some argue that the new rules do not go far enough.
PornographyPictures, videos or text with sexual imagery, made with the intention of causing sexual arousal. websites will soon have to make sure all of their UK users are 18 or older. The new rules are a result of the Online Safety ActA UK law regulating "harmful" online speech and media, passed in October 2023..
The new rules will be in place by July. One way they could check age is by asking to see photo ID.
Porn is very easy to find in the internet age. The average age at which young people in the UK first see pornography is 13. One child in 10 sees it by the age of nine.
Growing up in the US, singer Billie EilishAn American singer-songwriter, who became famous as a teenager. She was born in 2001. saw porn at 11. She says she had nightmares as a result.
Some think the new law does not go far enough. They say it is often sexistShowing prejudice or discriminating against women and girls. , and makes harmful practices seem normal. They want porn to be banned for everyone. One big concern is the rise of people choking their partners during sex. This can cause brain damage and even death.
But others say a ban would be wrong. The owners of pornography website Pornhub say age checks push users into "darker corners of the internet".
Others say that blocking adults from watching porn would go against the idea of free speechThe idea that people can say what they think without any fear of being punished or silenced. . And they fear that a ban on pornography could have bigger effects.
In some US states, important books have been removed from libraries simply because they contain references to sex.
Should it be banned for all?
Yes! Pornography is bad for everyone's minds. Adults are just as at risk as children. It makes harmful practices seem normal. Everyone needs to be protected.
No! It is wrong to control what people do, say or watch. Not all pornography is dangerous and adults should be allowed to watch it if they want to.
Pornography - Pictures, videos or text with sexual imagery, made with the intention of causing sexual arousal.
Online safety act - A UK law regulating "harmful" online speech and media, passed in October 2023.
Billie Eilish - An American singer-songwriter, who became famous as a teenager. She was born in 2001.
Sexist - Showing prejudice or discriminating against women and girls.
Free speech - The idea that people can say what they think without any fear of being punished or silenced.
Under-18s set to be blocked from porn

Glossary
Pornography - Pictures, videos or text with sexual imagery, made with the intention of causing sexual arousal.
Online safety act - A UK law regulating "harmful" online speech and media, passed in October 2023.
Billie Eilish - An American singer-songwriter, who became famous as a teenager. She was born in 2001.
Sexist - Showing prejudice or discriminating against women and girls.
Free speech - The idea that people can say what they think without any fear of being punished or silenced.