Watching porn online is the norm for boys as young as 13, a shocking survey has found.
Most teenage boys tune into porn at least two or three times a week on their phones or bedroom computers – with an astonishing one in eight so addicted that they watch it several times a day.
Girls are almost as likely to have seen porn as boys, but they watch it less often and are much more likely to be left upset, worried or disgusted by something they had seen.
Now the norm: Most teenage boys tune into porn at least two or three times a week on their phones or bedroom computers - with an astonishing one in eight so addicted that they watch it several times a day
Alarmingly, two thirds of those questioned aged between 11 and 13 had seen porn online, although far less frequently than their older counterparts.
The survey by the charity ChildLine found that almost three quarters of youngsters said they had stumbled across hardcore sites by accident, strengthening the argument for filters to be put in place.
It will increase pressure on David Cameron to stick to his guns and force internet providers to offer all parents a default filter on adult content on their home computers.
Campaigners say increasing porn use among teenagers warps their view of sex and prompts boys to treat girls as sex objects.
Jon Brown, the NSPCC official in charge of tackling sexual abuse, said: ‘Sadly this again confirms what we already suspected – that many young people are regularly viewing online pornography.
‘We are deeply concerned that access to these hardcore and often violent videos is warping young people’s views of what is normal or acceptable behaviour. This is leading to some people copying or mimicking the videos.
‘But it’s important we don’t demonise young people, who for the most part are simply showing a natural curiosity about their sexuality. We as adults have to take control of the situation.
‘The Government and industry need to do their bit by blocking adult content from under-18s and young people themselves need to take some responsibility for their own internet use. They can call ChildLine for support if they feel they can’t approach a trusted adult.’
The Daily Mail has been campaigning for an automatic online block on adult videos and images, with over-18s having to opt in to be able to see them, and only then after a strict verification check.
Under Mr Cameron’s plans, all internet users will be asked by their providers whether they want to apply a filter.
The box on screen will be automatically switched to ‘yes’, meaning parents will be forced to make a decision.
But some campaigners are still arguing that such a system is akin to censorship and an attack on an open internet.
Warping young minds: Among those aged 13 and under, two thirds said they had seen porn - a third on their mobiles. Although 59 per cent said they saw it 'hardly ever', 9 per cent had viewed it several times a day
The survey of more than 800 young people found that more than three quarters of children aged between 13 and 17 have seen pornography, with most finding it online or watching it on a mobile phone.
More than half said they had been left upset, worried or disgusted by something they saw in a porn film. But few knew where to turn to for help.
Almost as many girls had seen porn as boys, at 73 per cent compared to 88 per cent respectively. However, there was a big difference in the frequency, with most girls saying they ‘hardly ever’ viewed it, but 56 per cent of boys saying they viewed it two to three times a week or more.
Among those aged 13 and under, two thirds said they had seen porn – a third on their mobiles. Although 59 per cent said they saw it ‘hardly ever’, 9 per cent had viewed it several times a day.
More than half – 56 per cent – said they had felt upset or disgusted after seeing adult material; and 83 per cent said they had stumbled across it accidentally.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2385166/Online-porn-routine-just-13-boys-watching-times-day.html#ixzz2bCrP4241
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
