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Resources Myth vs Reality: PSHE toolkit

Online Pornography

This lesson and accompanying talking heads films explore the topic of online pornography.

This lesson and accompanying talking heads films explore the topic of online pornography. Through the toolkit activities students will consider what myths are portrayed through pornography and how this could impact on how a young person feels about their body, relationships and gender roles. They will explore strategies for resisting the pressure to watch pornography and receive clear signposting to advice and support on where to get reliable information about sex and relationships from online.

Although not all young people will have seen pornography, they may still feel pressure if their peers, friends or partners are engaging with it. Whether they have seen it directly or not, research suggests that it has the potential to influence young people, their attitudes and behaviour, and their perception of what constitutes healthy relationships and interactions.

Please note that no pornography will be shown during the lesson activites or talking heads films and young people will not be expected to share if they have seen pornography before.

Lesson plan guidance, activities and worksheets:

Talking Heads Films

The talking heads have been formed from opinions and information we gathered through a series of focus groups conducted across the UK with young people aged 11-16. Each talking head represents a varied viewpoint about online experiences; considering if we can trust everything we see online and how you separate the myths from the reality.

You will find an outline of how to use the talking heads along with follow-on discussion questions within the lesson plan. There is guidance for using the talking heads within the ‘Guidance for Educators’ section of the toolkit.

All 3 accompanying talking heads have been rated by the BBFC as 12 with ‘moderate sex references’.

Beth – ‘Is this what’s expected of me?’

Sadie – ‘Let’s get real.’

Ryan – ‘What’s the big deal?’