It's normal to be curious about sex and this can lead to curiosity about porn. But it can be challenging to talk to ākonga about porn. It's important to remind students that porn is a product for adult entertainment and isn't intended for young people.

Learning modules

To support teachers to talk about pornography when delivering Relationships and Sexuality Education in class, the Ministry of Education and the Classification Office have developed a module about pornography.

Education programmes

Talking about sex can feel awkward for many and porn even more so. Te Mana Whakaatu Classification Office have created a video that empowers adults who may feel anxious or stuck and not know where to begin. It is packed with tips and tools and practical advice on how to have these conversations with young people.

The Ministry of Education provides helpful guidance to support Relationships and Sexuality Education for years 9–13. This programme focuses strongly on consensual, healthy and respectful relationships as being essential to student wellbeing.

Websites

The Light Project have developed a series of resources to support educators with discussions about pornography, its impact and how to talk about pornography with youth.

In The Know is a youth website (R13) with information, tools, tips, videos and support services for a wide range of porn-related and online sexual issues. It is also a great tool for educators to learn about relevant porn-related youth issues, strategies to respond and services to point students to.

Posters and factsheets

Sometimes young people might feel pressure to watch online porn from peers, friends, older siblings, adults, or a partner. We’ve developed a factsheet you can use to talk to young people about how to navigate situations where they are being pressured to watch porn. 

Videos

Young people may not realise it, but porn can negatively impact their life – especially watching hardcore porn and/or viewing porn often. The below video can be used to initiate conversations with young people about pornography.

Te Mana Whakaatu Classification Office have collected the thoughts and experiences of more than 50 diverse young people across Aotearoa New Zealand about with porn:

The Eggplant(external link) is a drama-crime-comedy online web series to help young Kiwis safely navigate the Internet. This episode can be used discuss the unrealistic expectations that can arise from pornography.

In The Know have video by rangatahi for rangatahi where they share their experiences with porn.