The recent proposal by Jenni Murray to involve the study of pornography in the classroom may spark controversy, but the fact that up to 60% of young individuals utilize pornography to learn about sex is a clear indication that schools cannot afford to ignore it. A lack of clear boundaries and easy access to pornography puts children at risk of encountering disturbing or perplexing images. Misconceptions regarding dominance, submission, consent, sexual norms, and gender could skew the way young individuals perceive relationships, and unrealistic comparisons may lead to damaging body image issues.

Promoting healthy relationships and internet safety while working with parents is an essential role for any school. They should encourage and support their students to understand the effects of pornography, offer practical guidance, and urge them to make positive choices both online and offline.

Educating children about healthy relationships, consent, and online safety should begin at the kindergarten level. This would act as a foundation for the time when these topics become intertwined with the students’ developing sexuality. Mature pupils need a safe space to engage in broader discussions about the pressure that comes with a sexual relationship. They should also be taught about the activities found in pornography that are different from actual life and be encouraged to understand the diverse views society has towards pornography.

Schools should strive to empower young individuals to deal with contemporary challenges. It is vital to emphasize what pornography is not, that is, it is not a manual to guide meaningful relationships. As a result, sex education needs to be viewed as an ongoing and ongoing process that can benefit students in both their personal and interpersonal relationships.

As the Head of Wellbeing at Dulwich College, I advocate for schools to prioritize education on sex, relationships, and the effects of pornography in their curriculums. This would be an important step towards creating a supportive environment that enables young people to build positive relationships and navigate the challenges of the world.