Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am very happy to second the Bill and co-sign it. Exposure to pornographic content at a young age can have detrimental effects on a child's development and mental health. Various studies have shown the negative impact of early exposure to pornography on children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics noted that exposure to sexual content can lead to risky sexual behaviour and desensitisation to violence. Research from the University of Montreal found it is associated with negative attitudes towards women and violence. Exposing the developing mind of a child in prepubescent and pubescent stages to pornography creates the perfect conditions to create sexual predators and violent predators of sexual crimes.

In one of his final interviews, notorious serial killer Ted Bundy stated that during his time in prison, he met a lot of men who were motivated to commit violence just like him, "And without exception, every one of them was deeply involved in pornography. Without question, without exception, deeply influenced and consumed by addiction to pornography.” This was in a time before the Internet and social media. Although his account is anecdotal, we cannot ignore this shared behaviour among sexual and violent offenders.

It has been long established that those who commit sexual crimes are more often than not the victim of a predator themselves. Therefore, we cannot ignore the correlation and impact of sexual exposure in any form on the mind of a developing child. We have currently, in the care of this State at this time, children affected who are highly sexualised and need around-the-clock care and attention due to the trauma they lived through or the danger they present to others.

Additional studies commissioned by the European Parliament and the University of New Hampshire highlighted the risks of early exposure to pornography such as distorted perceptions of sexuality and increased risk of risky sexual behaviours. The Australian Institute of Family Studies also found that exposure to explicit sexual content can lead to desensitisation, distorted views of sex and negative attitudes towards consent and healthy relationships. It is crucial for parents, caregivers, educators and policymakers to be aware of these findings and take proactive measures to protect children from inappropriate content. By understanding the implications of exposure to pornography at a young age and implementing strategies to limit children's access to such content, society can work together to safeguard children's well-being and promote their healthy development.

Education, support and communications about sexuality and media literacy are key components in addressing the impact of pornography on children and promoting their overall well-being. I welcome this Bill. I am glad to see cross-party support for it. I hope it will become effective soon. I urge the Minister to make it her goal to drive this Bill through all Stages before this Government finishes its mandate. Yesterday, we became aware that 33 children are missing in this State. Some of them were in State care. The last thing we want to hear is that these children have been victims of human trafficking. Will the Minister make it her goal to push this Bill through before the Government finishes its tenure?