Talking with children about pornography at 7-8 years: parenting tips
A guide to help parents and carers talk with children aged 7-8 about pornography, including how to respond to exposure and promote respect and safety online.
Open this resource
Hosted on https://raisingchildren.net.au/ • Opens in a new tab
Published on 2025
How this resource can help
Use this resource to
Understand the potential impacts of pornography on children
Share practical guidance with parents and carers on talking about pornography in ways that are appropriate for children aged 7-8
Support conversations with parents and carers who are unsure how to respond when a child has seen sexual content online
Help promote healthy messages about bodies, consent, relationships and online safety from an early age
This resource covers
How pornography can affect children
Why it's important to talk about pornography with children
When and how to talk to children about pornography, and what to say
Advice for safe technology use
Ways to respond if a child sees pornography
Open this resource
Hosted on https://raisingchildren.net.au/ • Opens in a new tab
If you are a parent or carer
You’re in the right place! This is a guide written for you – it explains how and when you can talk to your child about exposure to pornography, and what to say. If you’re worried about something specific, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Last reviewed by Together We Can: 26 October 2026
What is problematic and harmful sexual behaviour
Problematic and harmful sexual behaviour affects children, families, and communities. Understanding it clearly is the first step toward effective prevention, recognition, and response.
Your input matters
Know of something that should be included? Let us know
Tell us what you think, or suggest a resource, service or training opportunity.
Not a practitioner?
Parents and carers
If you’re a parent or carer seeking information or worrying about a behaviour, you're not alone. Find resources to help you understand child sexual development, support safety, and respond to concerns about sexual behaviour.
Children and young people
It’s normal to have questions about your body, feelings, sex and relationships. If you’re a young person looking for information – head here. We’ve got information just for you.