'Restricting extreme porn could aid sex education'

May 7, 2026 - 19:13

A leading academic has argued that tighter restrictions on violent and extreme pornography could actually improve sex education for young people. Professor Clare McGlynn, a specialist in gender and law, says that limiting access to the most harmful content might help foster a better understanding of consent and healthy relationships.

McGlynn suggests that the current debate around online pornography is too focused on censorship and free speech. Instead, she proposes that a more targeted approach to removing extreme material could create space for more constructive conversations about sex. By clearly defining what is unacceptable, she argues, society can set a baseline for what constitutes respectful and consensual intimacy.

The professor points out that many young people encounter extreme pornography before they receive any formal sex education. This exposure can distort their views on what is normal or expected in a sexual relationship. Restricting the most graphic and violent content, she believes, would not only protect minors but also allow educators to teach about consent without having to first debunk harmful myths learned from online videos.

McGlynn's comments come amid ongoing political and public concern over the impact of easily accessible online pornography on children and teenagers. While some critics worry about the practicalities of enforcing new restrictions, her argument reframes the issue as an opportunity to enhance, rather than limit, education. The focus, she says, should be on creating a safer digital environment that supports learning about mutual respect and bodily autonomy.