Concern as Aussie kids as young as five can access porn in 60 seconds on a phone

Aussie kids as young as five are seeing porn, and even acting out on it. One Aussie mum explained how fast they can access it. Experts say the ripple effect is damaging. See their advice.

• ‘Put YouTube on the chopping block’

Exclusive: Children are stumbling upon graphic porn as young as five — with experts warning it’s distorting their views on sex, fuelling risky behaviours, and leaving lasting psychological harm.

Author and parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson said the average age of first exposure to pornography in Australia is just 11 — meaning some children are encountering explicit material even earlier.

“For those who are not very good at maths, that means that 50 per cent of kids would be exposed prior to age 11 and 50 per cent after,” Dr Coulson said.

“When people are exposed to explicit content in any format, it affects their beliefs about sex and sexuality and morality, as well as their behaviours.”

Dr Coulson warned the impacts go far beyond embarrassment.

“Boys and men who consume pornography are much more likely to endorse what’s known as the rape myth,” he said.

“They tend to be less satisfied with their sexual experiences and more judgmental about the bodies of the girls and women they’re having sexual relationships with.”

Author and parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson says the average age of first exposure to pornography in Australia is just 11. Picture Lachie Millard

Dr Coulson also shared disturbing stories from parents who had contacted him directly.

“I’ve heard stories of five-year-olds who are not just exposed to it, but who have consumed it and then begun to act out on those images,” he said.

“I have stories like the slumber party or the school camp or the inconsiderate or forgetful father, husband, uncle, big brother — whoever — who’s just not been sufficiently alert and attentive.”

Dr Coulson’s comments follow News Corp’s Let them Be Kids campaign which successfully campaigned for the social media age limit to be raised to 16.

Dr Alan Ralph, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Queensland and head of training at parenting program Triple P, agrees pornography can “negatively affect a child or young person’s attitudes toward relationships”.

“This includes risky sexual behaviours, sexual coercion, aggression, or violence,” he said.

Jen Hoey, founder of Not My Kid, knows first-hand how quickly children can be exposed to online harm.

Her daughter was targeted by a predator via an online game — an experience that made her a fierce advocate for children’s digital safety.

“I’ve had continuous conversations with her about what to do if she comes across inappropriate content,” she said.

“This involved reminding her that it was never her fault if she experienced something upsetting.”

Jen Hoey is an advocate for children’s digital safety after her daughter was targeted by a predator via an online game. Picture: Julian Andrews

In her own testing, Ms Hoey found it took less than a minute to access highly sexualised content on YouTube and Instagram — and under five minutes on Snapchat and TikTok.

“I read a book called Where Did I Come From? to my son when he was five years old. I introduced the subject of porn saying it involved the sharing of private videos or photos online,” she said.

“The internet is unsafe for children, even with parental controls in place … Online dangers for children are real and prevalent.”

While tech-based filters can help, parents are urged not to react with punishment or panic.

“Press pause on the outrage and try to stay calm,” Dr Ralph said.

Dr Coulson said it was important for parents to encourage all conversations on sex and consent – no matter how awkward – with their kids.

Children are stumbling upon graphic porn as young as five.

“Politicians need to also stop being feckless in the face of lobbyists … the only way we can stop mendacious tech companies is through legislation.”

Nationally, the eSafety Commissioner is pressuring tech firms to better protect children.

Last July, the agency issued notices requiring major companies to develop enforceable codes shielding kids from graphic pornography and harmful content.

“These codes will cover app stores and apps; websites — including porn websites; search engines; social media services; hosting services; internet service providers; instant messaging, SMS, chat, multi-player gaming, online dating services; and equipment providers,” a spokesman said.

The codes join measures under the Online Safety Act, including new social media minimum age laws starting December. Companies face civil penalties up to $49.5 million per breach.

Parents are encouraged to have all conversations on sex and consent – no matter how awkward – with their kids.

EXPERT TIPS: WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD HAS ACCESSED PORN

1. Stay calm: If your child is accidentally exposed to pornography, don’t overreact.
2. Normalise curiosity : Let them know curiosity is common and not shameful.
3. Talk feelings : Ask how it made them feel — acknowledging it may feel both “icky and exciting.”
4. Express your concerns: Explain why you’re worried about it in a calm, age-appropriate way.
5. Make a plan: Discuss how to avoid it happening again — including use of blockers or supervision.
6. Ongoing issues? Seek help: If use is frequent or causing harm, get professional support.
7. Have regular conversations: Discuss sex, consent, online risks and media critically and often.
8. Don’t just rely on tech: Filters are useful, but open communication is your strongest tool.
9. Delay social media access: Consider limiting access until kids are more mature.
10. Model healthy tech habits: Be aware of your own digital behaviour — kids notice.

Originally published as Concern as Aussie kids as young as five can access porn in 60 seconds on a phone