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70% of Kids Exposed to Porn: Urgent Safety Call

8/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A report indicates 70% of children in England are exposed to pornography before age 18, up from 64% in 2023.
59% of children encountered porn accidentally, mainly via social media.
Dame Rachel de Souza advocates for age verification on VPNs to strengthen the Online Safety Act.
Pornhub experienced a 47% decrease in UK traffic following new age verification rules.
The government prioritizes online child safety amid rising concerns about harmful content.

History

Historical Context

The UK's Digital Economy Act, enacted in 2010, aimed to regulate online content and protect children, reflecting rising concerns about youth exposure to pornography. By 2023, reports indicated that 70% of children had encountered such material. Dame Rachel de Souza's advocacy for stricter measures highlights ongoing challenges in online safety, underscored by a 47% drop in Pornhub traffic following regulatory changes.

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Story summary

A report indicates 70% of children in England are exposed to pornography before age 18, up from 64% in 2023.
59% of children encountered porn accidentally, mainly via social media.
Dame Rachel de Souza advocates for age verification on VPNs to strengthen the Online Safety Act.
Pornhub experienced a 47% decrease in UK traffic following new age verification rules.
The government prioritizes online child safety amid rising concerns about harmful content.

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