Talking with teenagers about pornography at 12-18 years: parenting tips
A guide to help parents and carers talk with young people aged 12-18 about pornography, including why teens may seek it out and how to respond in ways that promote respect and safety.
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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 teens
Share practical guidance with parents and carers on talking with teens about pornography
Support conversations with parents and carers who are unsure how to respond when a teen has seen sexual content online
Help promote healthy and safe messages about bodies, consent and sex
This resource covers
How pornography can affect teens
Why it's important to talk about pornography with teens
When and how to talk with teens about pornography, and what to say, including how to unpack negative messages pornography can send about sex, bodies and consent
Ways to respond to a teen seeking out pornography, tailored to the reasons they are viewing it
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 teen about 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.
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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.