Pornography - Should it be Banned?

[LYM_Satyz]

Should pornography be banned for moral, religious, feminist or crime-prevention reasons? Or is censorship of this sort ill-advised?

I think This is something we really ignore and the things happen everyday.
This is really something that also effects young people.

At the moment, pornographic material showing adults over the age of 16 or 18 (depending on which country) is legal. Child pornography is entirely illegal at the moment, and it would be very hard indeed to argue that it be legalized. The debate will mainly center on whether pornography depicting adults should be available to adults, or be banned completely.

Define what is meant by ‘pornography’ - does the term include books, magazines, pictures, the Internet?

Discuss / Debate

[EmmaGallen]

i don't know exactly what it means. To me porn as always just been the films,. The magazines are just lads' mags and the books are erotica.

In japan they've only just made it illegal to include chidren in films and magazines of a saxual nature but not mang and anime and the UN aren't happy about it.

[Hamsterwaffle]

As a man I have to say I am completely against banning pornography.

[LYM_Satyz]

As a man I have to say I am completely against banning pornography.

Thats some Serious Debate :p
lol
Yea Ok As a Man but try putting urself is some womans shoe or something. Some people are really offended by that.

Now Discuss! Oh n u didn't define Pornography as you would define it!

[LYM_Satyz]

i don't know exactly what it means. To me porn as always just been the films,. The magazines are just lads' mags and the books are erotica.

In japan they've only just made it illegal to include chidren in films and magazines of a saxual nature but not mang and anime and the UN aren't happy about it.

yea Japan is the country where porn of all ages was Legal till now and that was a VERY serious ISSUE. Thank God, they banned it. But as you sed, yes it still goes on about anime N manga.

Oh N BTW These are not my views, i will save my views till then end :p

[Conzales]

The violent form of it and the illegal forms should continue to be banned and strongly enforced .

But the rest shouldn't be banned, its been present all through history. Its part of a free society.

However it should be a regulated industry and checked with records kept. Similar to the USA. Plus make sure consent is given and done safely.

Also there should be more clarity from the UK government on the laws regarding such material.

[rosieposey]

Just take a moment to consider the people who appear in this pornography. They are sons, daughters, sisters, borthers, aunts, uncles, mums and dads. They have lives and families. How would you feel if you knew that a member of your family was doing this? And how would you feel about them appearing in a degrading way for the whole world to see? People need to find some more respect for their, and other people's bodies.

However, I think that outlawing pornography will be very difficult to do. Therefore, what I think that what the government should do to begin with, is to make it much less accessible.

[make.me.smile]

I don't think we should ban porn. If it's consenting adults taking part I don't see a problem. Of course children, adults who aren't consenting etc - ban it. Porn...for me probably films etc, magazines, books I'd see as erotica too.

[LYM_Satyz]

Just take a moment to consider the people who appear in this pornography. They are sons, daughters, sisters, borthers, aunts, uncles, mums and dads. They have lives and families. How would you feel if you knew that a member of your family was doing this? And how would you feel about them appearing in a degrading way for the whole world to see? People need to find some more respect for their, and other people's bodies.

However, I think that outlawing pornography will be very difficult to do. Therefore, what I think that what the government should do to begin with, is to make it much less accessible.

Thank You!
Ok Time for My Opinion -
I am not Saying BANNNN Porn OR SOMETHING
I feel the exact way rosieposey is saying. Thats what i always think about. And about how people dont understand this. :P
As A Man, I should be having fun [:p ] rite but its completely different in the sense when you argue about it to the extent of religion and feminism .

[make.me.smile]

Well anyone has the right to say no to porn. They don't have to participate and they don't have to watch it. It's pretty much a form of expression.

[EmmaGallen]

Yeah it should be allowed and people use it as a way of connecting with their partners and there's way more female directors so it's not all misogynistic or whatnot. I think tabs should be kept on it liek in America nad with other films.

[brownieiscool]

I think there needs to be tighter rule to stop young people being exploited. Ofcourse children but also young men (18 - 20) in China and Japan are so poor that they are paid to do sexual acts and make porn films for money. I think that is wrong and that maybe there should be some legal involvment to make sure there is proper consent.

[Liam Hannan]

Pornography; images or text aimed at sexual arousal.

Economic impact of banning. How many people are employed in the sex industry (legally - prostitution is a different matter) and how much money does it bring in?

[you_can't_make_me_care]

Just take a moment to consider the people who appear in this pornography. They are sons, daughters, sisters, borthers, aunts, uncles, mums and dads. They have lives and families. How would you feel if you knew that a member of your family was doing this? And how would you feel about them appearing in a degrading way for the whole world to see? People need to find some more respect for their, and other people's bodies.

However, I think that outlawing pornography will be very difficult to do. Therefore, what I think that what the government should do to begin with, is to make it much less accessible.

yeah, but what if pornography is their way of expressing themselves? obviously if it is violent or sick or the person is forced into it against their will it is morally wrong. But if they are doing it because they enjoy their job then it should be legal. As long as they enjoy it and other people enjoy it who can say they are doing wrong? It isn't up to their friends or families to decide their lives for them.

[Amy*]

I think what everyone also has to remember, is that although porn can be degrading and can worry families and friends of those who are involved in it; for some people it's also a career and something they do for enjoyment. I know it sounds strange, and it's something I personally wouldn't find fun, but everyone has different tastes.

As well as this, there are many possibly negative consequences of banning porn. Firstly, regarding the law now, it is perfectly legal and is generally popular amongst men/boys, although admittedly some women do find it degrading which is perfectly understandable. From this, banning it would be seen as negative censorship which would then spark arguments against other forms of publications from minority groups.


However, I can see how people, women in particular, can find it obnoxious and degrading.

[Questionmark]

I Think That Pornography Should Be Banned.
It's Just Pure Filth.
To Be Honest It's Perverted To Watch It Or Take Part In It.

And Even If It's Not Banned Altogether It Should Definatley Be Banned From Television.
Children Enjoy Watching Television So They are Most Likely To Browse The Television A Lot. The Problem Is that Sometime You Get Random Porn That Isn't Blocked From Viewing.
Also Many People Get Too Obsessed With It And It Tends To Make Them Want To Be More Sexually Active.

Also Too many 14/15 Year Olds That Are Too Irresponsible With That And It Leaves Big Problems.

[Hamsterwaffle]

What about porn on those channels that you have to pay to watch? I doubt children will know their parents credit card info.

[Matt. P]

As long as it is regulated I don't see why consenting adults can't buy pornography. Its their choice after all.

[Questionmark]

I'm Not On About Porn On Those Channels You Have To Pay For.

I'm Talking About Things That Are Just Freely on
E.g Sexcetera On Virgin1

It Shouldn't Be Ther It Should Be On One Of Those Channels You Have To Pay For.

[make.me.smile]

What's wrong with encouraging people to be more sexually active? As long as they're of age, I don't see a problem. And as long as it is regulated and safe, I see no problem with porn either.

[Questionmark]

What's wrong with encouraging people to be more sexually active? As long as they're of age,

Did i not say 14/15 year olds ?

[make.me.smile]

Aah, I didn't think that was in context to that, of course if they're underage, it's wrong. But that doesn't mean porn should be banned.

[Questionmark]

No maybe not banned.
But it shouldn't Ever be on television where it is easily viewed.

[Gotlieb Alexander]

I don't respect any third party's right to intefere in the transaction of selling porn from one person to another.

Only a communist country bans porn and I hope that's not where we're going

[K!Z]

Just take a moment to consider the people who appear in this pornography. They are sons, daughters, sisters, borthers, aunts, uncles, mums and dads. They have lives and families. How would you feel if you knew that a member of your family was doing this? And how would you feel about them appearing in a degrading way for the whole world to see? People need to find some more respect for their, and other people's bodies.

However, I think that outlawing pornography will be very difficult to do. Therefore, what I think that what the government should do to begin with, is to make it much less accessible.

To be honest this post makes me laugh.

"a moment to consider the people who appear in this pornography. They are sons, daughters, sisters, borthers, aunts, uncles, mums and dads. They have lives and families. How would you feel if you knew that a member of your family was doing this?"
Good for them! If they are in pornography, one would assume they are doing it out of their own free will?

" People need to find some more respect for their, and other people's bodies. "
Yeah, you go ahead and do that, while society evolves, and sex becomes less a thing to be embaressed about, you can keep your victorian ideals and prudishness ;)

"Therefore, what I think that what the government should do to begin with, is to make it much less accessible."
Go on then. Let's hear your ideas for making porngraphy less accessible!
I'm waiting?


I do not in anyway endorse pornography, I just don't think it should be banned.

[soph41190]

It's a persons free will if they want to be in one of those things.
I personally feel that people reading and buying it just can't get 'any.'
None of this is my problem, but I think porno mags being broadcast at the front of every newsagent rag shelf to kids and adults alike can't be healthy. If we're talking accessibility, maybe put them on a higher shelf, or behind the counter like Blue Movies. I feel porn objectifies women in particular, and they can do what they want but its the effect it has on other women, and that men who read that sort of thing now have the impression that all women are like that, and if not, they are prudes.

[K!Z]

It's a persons free will if they want to be in one of those things.
I personally feel that people reading and buying it just can't get 'any.'
None of this is my problem, but I think porno mags being broadcast at the front of every newsagent rag shelf to kids and adults alike can't be healthy. If we're talking accessibility, maybe put them on a higher shelf, or behind the counter like Blue Movies. I feel porn objectifies women in particular, and they can do what they want but its the effect it has on other women, and that men who read that sort of thing now have the impression that all women are like that, and if not, they are prudes.

Most men do not treat women like they are all 'pornstars', and you forget that women watch pornography to? Do you think that it's any less degrading to men than to women?

[soph41190]

All I'm saying is the majority of men I know do not object and encourage being 'GROPED BY VE GURRLSLSS', If the fella did likewise to any of the girls I know, they'd complain. Double standards? or personal preference.
I'm only talking about people I know, but I'm just putting it out there.

[K!Z]

Yep you're right, youre definitely not talking about the whole of the UK, because not all of the UK is full of slightly more primitive males such as the ones you claim to know. Most of them are not.

[soph41190]

I agree with you there...most of the 20,000 males in this area are as primitive as they come...the chav variety...God bless the South East (dies)

[K!Z]

:eek: I doubt it is the whole of the south east, as that is where I am from!

[Spirited discussion]

I dont think there's anything inherrently wrong with consenting pornography, its not that different to a catwalk in the way of showing off beauty.

I dont even see a problem with 15/16 yr olds watching it. I mean we're all pretty aware of sex by that age, and I'm not sure I'd censor it age wise at all. (except the participants should obv be 18+) If it is age censored it should at least be 16+, we can have sex legally by then so why not watch it?

The thing that bugs me is "celeb sex tapes" and also normal sex tapes, where (often the woman) has consented to being filmed, but not to it being spread across the interweb.
At a cov school there was a case of a girl had been filmed by her boyfreind giving him a blowjob (both 18), after they split up he sold it on the web and it made its way to several sites. This isnt consenting adults, and its also quite common, exploiting trusting people. This is what is wrong and needs to be cracked down on.

[K!Z]

Very well said.

[Connor Sephton]

As much as I agree pornography should be banned - I think implementing such a ban would be impossible. For every web site there are five porn sites - making an outright ban an incredible feat.

Like mopping up the sea with a tissue.

[soph41190]

Yeah same here, I'm all in favour of ridding it but....you illegalise something, you create a market vaccum, and there are more than a few ugly peoples wanting to fill that vaccum. With that comes illegal methods of exploitation, rape and so on. A black market in more than the one way. It would be impossible to enforce, same as Prohibition, same as anything the Government tries to ban. There's not enough man(or will)power to do the dirty work and prevent it/burn it.

[Alice Bond]

What would boys do during sleepovers without porn?

[Connor Sephton]

WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA.
That is a bit of lewd presumption, isn't it?

[EmmaGallen]

What would boys do during sleepovers without porn?

Just sleep with eachother...

[Connor Sephton]

So what makes girls such angelic figures when it comes to sleepovers, eh?

[EmmaGallen]

We party in hot tubs and eat ice cream.

[soph41190]

Oh ours are ridiculous! No nails and boys for this lot...we just play twister, watch movies, play board games (we ARE that private school haha) and eat our body weight in fast food!
Though! HERE IS A STORY TO PLEASE AND SCARE BOTH GENDERS!
We decided to rent a mindless action/thriller type film to get the blood flowing haha, so meself and my sister beforehand went to the blockbuster to get a goodn, found something called 24 hours and thought 'hey this looks fun'! All the girls came round and we put the film on.....well...I won't go into it but.......it was porn.......we got a full refund when we took it back but erm...we were scarred....gay porn too! aaaaahh! (no offense but well any porn is weird when you're in yr 8 haha, and we were at the time!!) We were all too proud to admit we'd got the wrong film at first, and just sat through about 20 mins of it, hoping it would move on...one would say 'should we stop it' and another would say...erm.....eventually we all just went OMG getit outttt!!! haha....now that was weird.
Any sleepover I've ever been too where boys are there...there hasn't been one where at least three of them are...ahem 'casting off' over some tacky mag!

[Connor Sephton]

Haha, who says we don't? ;) :p

[Connor Sephton]

Funny story about that, Sophie, actually.

I was on holiday in France and there was a hotel offering rental movies - I was in the room with a couple of friends, my Mum was going out - so she booked Shrek for us to watch while she was gone. (I was 8 - my friends a tad older.)

Due to a "technical difficulty" we ended up watching a porn film full of old, naked women for one and a half hours - due to the disturbing enthusiasm of the eldest of my friends.

I was deeply disturbed, so I continued to read my Roald Dahl book in disinterest.

EDIT:
The hotel apologised and gave us free movie credits for the rest of the stay. (Can't say we used them though...)

Oh! And three boys casting off is not representative of the entire teenage species of the gender, thank youp!

[Alice Bond]

Yeahhhh. Girls don't need porn to get by.....we just need ice cream and bubbles

[Connor Sephton]

The Sexism forum is jussssssst over there, Alice... :p

[Al Young]

Yeahhhh. Girls don't need porn to get by.....we just need ice cream and bubbles

Ice cream? I'm not sure that I want to know.

[Alice Bond]

Ice cream? I'm not sure that I want to know.

It's not sexual. Don't worry.

Is it true boys think about sex every 5 seconds.....or is it 2?

[Connor Sephton]

One, Alice.

[Al Young]

There is no interval. It is ALL of the time.

[Alice Bond]

One, Alice.

You must have a large underpant collection.

[Connor Sephton]

The only reason I know the colours of the rainbow is from that sacred drawer.

[Liam Hannan]

True, we do have very primitive minds in some aspects; however your depiction of us as porn crazed self indulgent beasts leaves something to be desired.

(yes the double entendre was intended)

I'm going to quote Dylan Moran here, because I can.

"Men are more romantic, they're much more likely to say
'I must have her, she's the one. If I can't spend my life with her I'm just going to die, she'as so beautiful.'

Women feel that way about shoes."

Maybe the genders just have different priorities?

[Liam Hannan]

You must have a large underpant collection.

I'm not sure you intended that quite as it sounds ;)

(in fact, there is no way i can think of that sounding correct - ew)

[Alice Bond]

I'm going to quote Dylan Moran here, because I can.

"Men are more romantic, they're much more likely to say
'I must have her, she's the one. If I can't spend my life with her I'm just going to die, she's so beautiful.'

Women feel that way about shoes."

Maybe the genders just have different priorities?

That's a horrible quote. Firstly because it's simply not true. How many girls do you truley know that care more about nice shoes than romance?

I don't know any....

You can hardly say that all women care about is shoes. There are some naissasistic ladies, yes, but then there is narcassicm in every race and gender.


Liam just because you're a Mass Debater. No need to take your fury out on women kind.

(excuse the pun, you must have heard it 10000128283 times)

And Conner, at least you got something good out of porn. Education.

[Connor Sephton]

I don't think I like this thread anymore.

The last post made me sound really egotistical.

My underpant collection is actually rather shameful, actually.

I am sure you all want to know - but I am the guy whose in the PE room with all the chavs showing off the brand of their boxers. One has Calvin Klein, the other Lacoste - and I have "The Next Collection." :p

Gather from it what you will. I do not rank designer underwear. Who sees it anyway?

Back to the topic... :p

[Connor Sephton]

And Conner, at least you got something good out of porn. Education.

What is that supposed to mean? :P

I am not a user of porn, I can guarantee you.

Arugh, how did I get to this point? :p
I was supporting the ban a few pages back!

[Liam Hannan]

I had a history teacher at school who thought nothing was funnier than that pun ;)

Whilst the Dylan Moran thing is certainly hyperbole I would say that I always feel the onice is on the man to bring romance to a relationship - which in these sexually liberated days shouldn't really be the case.

(If that's not your experience feel free to shoot me down on this; maybe I've just not been with the right ladies)

Off topic... aye. Worth talking about anyway? definitely!

[Liam Hannan]

Gather from it what you will. I do not rank designer underwear. Who sees it anyway?


well... there's someone whos given up hope!

[Connor Sephton]

Hahaha - I am a glass half full person, Liam. :p

[Alice Bond]

Gather from it what you will. I do not rank designer underwear. Who sees it anyway?


There's a horrible trend of trousers around knees which is thanfully dying down.

What is that supposed to mean? :P

I am not a user of porn, I can guarantee you.



I was referring to the colours by the way. Nothing harmful.



Whilst the Dylan Moran thing is certainly hyperbole I would say that I always feel the onice is on the man to bring romance to a relationship - which in these sexually liberated days shouldn't really be the case.

(If that's not your experience feel free to shoot me down on this; maybe I've just not been with the right ladies)



Liam are you serious??

[Liam Hannan]

Like I said, maybe I've just not been with the right girls.

My experience of it is if I want romance I have to bring it. Do you think I'm wrong?

[Connor Sephton]

I was referring to the colours by the way. Nothing harmful.


Haha, Alice, don't worry, I know what you meant. :p

That is the one thing about using forums and MSN and all that stuff - you cannot tell when you're being serious and when you're not being serious. :p

[Alice Bond]

Like I said, maybe I've just not been with the right girls.

My experience of it is if I want romance I have to bring it. Do you think I'm wrong?

WHAT! That's unbelievable!

You've hooked up in the wrong places my friend!

Why should the guy do all the work?

[Al Young]

My experience of it is if I want romance I have to bring it. Do you think I'm wrong?

I agree with this man.

[Alice Bond]

Haha, Alice, don't worry, I know what you meant. :p

That is the one thing about using forums and MSN and all that stuff - you cannot tell when you're being serious and when you're not being serious. :p

Oh I'm always deadly serious. I don't have time for jokes, I'm far too busy.

[Alice Bond]

I agree with this man.

What?! (must use more characters)

[Liam Hannan]

WHAT! That's unbelievable!

You've hooked up in the wrong places my friend!

No doubts about that - you want to see some of my ex's ;)


Why should the guy do all the work?

Agreed. Though do you mind if I get personal?
What's the most romantic thing you've ever done for the present "mr bond"?

[Connor Sephton]

It is the question though - who should make the effort - the man or the woman in the relationship?

[Alice Bond]

Agreed. Though do you mind if I get personal?
What's the most romantic thing you've ever done for the present "mr bond"?

There isn't a present "Mr. Bond"- however, I've been known to conceal hand written love poems in ex-lovers pockets for them to find later.

Now what's the most romantic thing you've ever done Liam?

It is the question though - who should make the effort - the man or the woman in the relationship?

Both. Again, why should the male or the female have to make all of the effort?!

[Connor Sephton]

Have any of you guys ever been in a long-distance relationship?

Those relationships do require a hell of a lot of effort.

Trust me, I've tried.

[Conzales]

Now what's the most romantic thing you've ever done Liam?


It would take till 4am to hear it all! :D

[Liam Hannan]

Likewise, it all ended in tears.

There's plenty more fish in the sea... but I don't want to date a fish :(

[Alice Bond]

Have any of you guys ever been in a long-distance relationship?

Those relationships do require a hell of a lot of effort.

Trust me, I've tried.

What's the point?

[Liam Hannan]

It would take till 4am to hear it all! :D

don't you go telling them all my stories conor - until the AGM you're still mine to abuse as i see fit :P

[Connor Sephton]

And if you try to catch one, you will most likely drown. :p

[Alice Bond]

It would take till 4am to hear it all! :D

Well a snippet will do....

[Connor Sephton]

What's the point?

I rono, I think it was like the "wow, I am going to meet her!" feeling, but hey, it never happened, she lives in Vancouver lmao. :p

[Alice Bond]

There's plenty more fish in the sea... but I don't want to date a fish :(

THE FISH ARE DYING OUT

[Connor Sephton]

Frickin' Global Warming.

[Alice Bond]

I rono, I think it was like the "wow, I am going to meet her!" feeling, but hey, it never happened, she lives in Vancouver lmao. :p

You sound like my friend. He met a girl from Vancouver on holiday and is still dating her, 5 months on. It's quite serious, he's been to see her and spend over £500 on travel.

Seems seriously silly to me.

It's hard enough if your partner lives 20 miles away....

[Alice Bond]

Frickin' Global Warming.

More like Global Boring

No one seems to care

[Connor Sephton]

I was with her for 12 months, met her a few years ago on Habbo of all places.

Got tired of waiting. I needed someone who I could see, you know. Sick of dating a computer screen.

[Alice Bond]

I was with her for 12 months, met her a few years ago on Habbo of all places.

Got tired of waiting. I needed someone who I could see, you know. Sick of dating a computer screen.

ONE YEAR OF WEBCAM

HOLY WATER!

That's agggesss. Your eyes must have hurt!

[Connor Sephton]

Then there is the 8-hour time difference, so my eyes were hurting from the tiredness anyways.

[Alice Bond]

Did you end it by accident? Typing error?

[Connor Sephton]

Noooo, we were starting to realise it would be impractical anyway, how can you have a proper relationship over two continents? Even if we did meet each other, it would be good, albeit for a month, then we could go for years potentially without meeting again.

I had an Airways. I came to my senses. :p

[Alice Bond]

When you meet people in real life they're different to computer person

[Liam Hannan]

thank god; my keyboard interface skills are lacking...

[Connor Sephton]

I know - I did talk to her on the Telephone though! :p

[Spirited discussion]

Noooo, we were starting to realise it would be impractical anyway, how can you have a proper relationship over two continents? Even if we did meet each other, it would be good, albeit for a month, then we could go for years potentially without meeting again.

I had an Airways. I came to my senses. :p

Lol, took you long enough!

Btw, Lizzie - I too think boys always start the relationship, and I mean damn near always - the girl might hint that they like you to begin with but then its all down to the male to be sort of accepted or rejected.

[EmmaGallen]

Seriously??????

I had to be like to my current boyfriend "so can i meet up with you soon?" and due to complications he waited like 4 months.

In teh relationship though it's now him that's the romantic one (buys me first edition Sylvia Plath....)

I find the 5 miles too much - I need two buses.

[Questionmark]

Have any of you guys ever been in a long-distance relationship?

Those relationships do require a hell of a lot of effort.

Trust me, I've tried.

HELL OF ALOT OF EFFORT.

You're not joking.

I lived in England And he lived in Ireland.:)
It was the most stupid thing i had ever done.
waste of time and space.:mad:

Because you start to find people in your country and you think well it would be better to have a relationship over here.
It was 5 months.

I actually want to go to Ireland and burn his house down but we are still friends unfortunatley.:mad:

Alot of credit to. :mad:
Sorry thinking about it gets me angry. That is why there are many angry faces.

[KateChaos]

My best friends life has been made up of long distance relationship boys she's never met... One turned out to be a boy who wasn't who he said he was. He was actually a 28 year old man :/ So that was scary. But now, she's actually in a 'serious' relationship (how serious it is I do not know) with a near-20 year old.

And she's 14.
So I'm not sure which I prefer really.

But I think there's a difference between dating somebody you've never met & MEETING someone and THEN dating them.

[Connor Sephton]

That is the one big hitch with long-distance relationships. There could be that slight off chance that they do not say who they are. But if it did turn out to be a paedophile - then he/she must have been doing a lot of effort! Imitating a girls' voice on the Telephone, creating an entire Facebook network of friends - imitating the girls' friends voices - haha, it barely seems worth it!

[rosieposey]

'Go on then. Let's hear your ideas for making porngraphy less accessible!
I'm waiting?'

I won't keep you waiting! Here are some suggestions:

Take any pornographic material on display in shops, off of easily visible shelves (where children can see)
Place more restrictions on the way that pornography is accessed on mobile phones (via bluetooth etc.)
Limit pornography on paper (magazines, newspapers etc.) to publications particuarly for that nature, rather than include pornography in a newspaper.


:D

[Rebecca Adams]

Pornography
HUGE TOPIC
My opinion is that children should not be involved in any sort of porn whatsoever.
It's up to people like adults if they wanna watch it but personally i wouldn't care if it was banned.
I would hate to see family or friends in it though! (Just like rosieposey said.)

[mypdavidsmith]

well thats logical, that to me and probably to everyone else is that a child should not be involved what so ever. it should be down to parents to warn them of porn and make sure when on the internet the right mesures are put in place to keep them from viewing it.

[Rebecca Adams]

Not being stereotypical here but it's 'lads' that need warning mostly by parents as they are growing up rather than girls even though I know girls do view it.

[adamlonsdale]

I think like smoking or alcohol, it should be limited to age. Banning it, or something along those lines is limiting somebodys lifestyle.
It should be like behind a shop counter, and then if the person wishes to purchase it, they should be ID Checked, and if oer a certain age, say 18, they should then be allowed to purchase.

This will cause embarrasment for the person, and if they don't want that then they will have to stop buying it.

Adam x

[Rebecca Adams]

can still get onto it on the internet anyway so that wouldn't stop it. personally i don't think it should be banned because it's up to people to make their own decisons whether they want to view it or not.

[adamlonsdale]

Yeah, you are right there, but if kids aren't accessing it through shops at a young age, it might delay them into looking at it on the internet.

[Rebecca Adams]

People use the internet a lot more than what they buy porn in shops

[the-eliot-one]

Thats some Serious Debate :p
lol
Yea Ok As a Man but try putting urself is some womans shoe or something. Some people are really offended by that.

Now Discuss! Oh n u didn't define Pornography as you would define it!

Fortunatley there is no right not to be offended, but there is a right to access whatever leisure equipment you like so long as no one is being forced in to participation.

[make.me.smile]

As a woman I'd like to say to all women out there - get over it. It's pron, it's a choice the actor makes, it has nothing to do with you. I think the thing that most women mind is when guys think that we like to be seen as just **** and arse. Guys need to learn how to differentiate their little fantasy porn world from the real one too.

[Rebecca Adams]

It's up to men what they do

[rosieposey]

As a woman I'd like to say to all women out there - get over it. It's pron

Um...it's what?:p

[Rebecca Adams]

You will never stop porn and it will never be banned

[EmmaGallen]

It's not all bad. Might teach men about female anatomy.

[Rebecca Adams]

That's a good point

[Spirited discussion]

Lol, always look on the educational side... porn in biology lessons, hmm.

Most boys grow out of porn when they start getting girlfriends, its really just a poor substitute for them.
I'd guess most watch it mainly 13-18ish and then when they're single for long periods? Or does that seem wrong to others, i dont really know?
Excepting FHM, naturally - its not porn.

Oh and sort of 60+ -Eww

[adamlonsdale]

It may teach about female anatomy, but it can give the wrong ideas about women.

Women arent supposed to strip off infront of a camera whenever they see one, and some men quite possibly have that impression.

Also alot of people have said the way it is done in the 'Movies' is completely different to real life.

It's giving young boys and teenagers the wrong ideas about sex.

[Pioneer]

Surely it's not aimed at young boys and teenagers? Hence the large 18 rating?

[Rebecca Adams]

It has an 18 rating but that does not mean teenagers can't access it because they can.
Females aren't suppose to strip off in front of cameras but if that's what they want to do guess we can't stop them. Up to them what they do.

[adamlonsdale]

Exactly. It isn't aimed at that audience, but there are no age restrictions in newsagents and shops that sell these magazines. You should need to be 18. Or move the age restriction down to 16.

Because at 16 you are old enough to legally 'Go all the way', and the only difference between acts in pornography and acts in real life, is that you can only watch pornography, yet actually do the real life acts.

Adam x

[mypdavidsmith]

Exactly. It isn't aimed at that audience, but there are no age restrictions in newsagents and shops that sell these magazines. You should need to be 18. Or move the age restriction down to 16.

Because at 16 you are old enough to legally 'Go all the way', and the only difference between acts in pornography and acts in real life, is that you can only watch pornography, yet actually do the real life acts.

Adam x

There are age restrictions in newsagents. by law newsagents can't sell top shelf mags to anyone under the age of 18 and if they do there braking the law. also no one can walk in to a sex shop you have to be 18 (apart from ann summers).

[adamlonsdale]

The small newsagents in my town center, and also the large co-op sell magazines such as FHM, Nuts, and more to my 14 year old friend every day before school!

[mypdavidsmith]

nuts and FHM are 16s not 18s its the really crud eones that are 18s your co-op is breching the law. i have done a lot of work on this as a youth worker and i knwo that all busnesses know what they are doing. they just choose to seell these to under ages to make money.

[adamlonsdale]

Exactly, and it is wrong. I have never seen top shelf magazines sold thank god. I guess they are kept behind the counter or just not even sold in there.

I even remember my friend buying Nuts when he was 12 years old (In year 7 at school). And not understanding half the stuff.

It is giving out wrong impressions.

[Rebecca Adams]

Porn shouldn't be banned but should possibly be an age restriction on it. If it's illegal to sell porn underage it shouldn't be sold, end of.

[Karen_H]

Porn shouldn't be banned but should possibly be an age restriction on it. If it's illegal to sell porn underage it shouldn't be sold, end of.

I agree.
People that don't want to see it or look at it aren't forced to.
It does have an 18 age restriction but there's nothing to stop younger people looking at it so people need to clamp down on it, like they have alcohol, and stop selling it to underage people.

[mypdavidsmith]

toput something right age restrictions are in place just compines dont know what they are.

[Rebecca Adams]

Thanks Karen :)
Why don't they know them? They should do.

[Karen_H]

Why dont companies know them? Why have age restrictions if people aren't aware of them? They need to be told and stick to them.

[Rebecca Adams]

That's what I said. Great minds like alike :)

[EmmaGallen]

It may teach about female anatomy, but it can give the wrong ideas about women.

Women arent supposed to strip off infront of a camera whenever they see one, and some men quite possibly have that impression.

Also alot of people have said the way it is done in the 'Movies' is completely different to real life.

It's giving young boys and teenagers the wrong ideas about sex.

Normal movies are the same though. They always make sex look really graceful.

[adamlonsdale]

You do have a point. But in normal Porn movies, the audience know that it is going to be 100% sex etc. A normal commercial film / movie, may include a sex scene, but its not devoted to it.

I know what you mean though.

[EmmaGallen]

It's still acting. I mean porn movies adn Meg Ryan in a coffee shop include the same noises.

[Spirited discussion]

Its easy to get round age restrictions on the web, just host the page in a country without the restriction, thats why theres so much difference on the web.

[Rebecca Adams]

But should 'teenagers' be allowed to 'look' at porn on the web underage?

[mypdavidsmith]

it depends if they do it privatly or not. i think its a good way to educate them about sex.

[Rebecca Adams]

Some people wouldn't agree with that!

[mo .R.]

no i dont think it should i mean children and younger people shouldnt see it but ut can be educational and some people use it too erm......'have fun' if you get me. it can help people release sexual frustration i mean if you cant have sex, then you need to.... so maybe seeing porn can help with .........
also it can help in sperm clinics for sperm donors ............ which helps ppl have children !! :) :confused:

[Rebecca Adams]

also it can help in sperm clinics for sperm donors ............ which helps ppl have children !!

how does this help?

[mo .R.]

porno mags they have them in the clinics to help so it kinda contributes !
some ppl want children but may not want a man ...

[Questionmark]

Some people wouldn't agree with that!

Not Some People
Most people wouldn't agree with that.

[EmmaGallen]

I would agree with it. I mean you shouldn't watch it to and claim that it's only for educational purposes but it isn't totally uneducational. And it should just be up to the individual if they want to star in porn or if they want to watch it.

[Rebecca Adams]

Agree there.

[Karen_H]

I wouldn't call porn educational. It's made to look degrading and can even show violence, humiliation and other forms of abuse. It's made out to be totally what it's actually not in reality.

[KateChaos]

It can be a lot more educational than a woman trying to explain parts of the male penis. It can be quite helpful, especially for people wanting to go into a career of sexual health. Pornography was created to stimulate erotic feelings & for sexual pleasure.. Who are we to deny lonely people the chance to be satisfied?

[Rebecca Adams]

I don't see it as educational but there is no reason to ban it.

[KateChaos]

It's not educational to people in KS3, KS4, certainly no younger, but at KS5 maybe, & those wanting to go into sexual health, it can really benefit them.

[Rebecca Adams]

Not too sure I agreee there

[KateChaos]

How do you expect people going into sexual health to understand things to a deeper level if they just get taught the 'robot subject'?

[Rebecca Adams]

how about actually studying it? Lol

[KateChaos]

There's only so much you can learn from a book when it comes to sex.

[Rebecca Adams]

Maybe it;s just me I wouldn't want to watch people do sexual activities.

[KateChaos]

Obviously there are going to be people who feel like that.. But I think if people are more open about sex instead of keeping it hushhush; things would be easier. I'm not saying sit everyone in front of porn because thats ridiculous & the worst idea I've ever heard, but it could benefit those who want to work in sexual health.

[rosieposey]

It angers me that people keep referring to pornography as 'educational'. It gives out the wrong messages, making people (especially women) seem like nothing but sexual objects. People need to appreciate that people are people, not objects. Pornography is NOT educational!:mad:

[adamlonsdale]

It angers me that people keep referring to pornography as 'educational'. It gives out the wrong messages, making people (especially women) seem like nothing but sexual objects. People need to appreciate that people are people, not objects. Pornography is NOT educational!:mad:

You speak my thoughts.

How is it educational (actually i have a feeling i said it was earlier :s), anyways it DOES show women as objects. and it DOES give out the wrong messages.

Watching pornography is a totally different experience to doing it apparently.

Adam x

[matt christodoulou]

lol..........it's not education in my eyes........i think that they made pornography for entertainment. If you asked anyone who watchs it, they will say that they enjoyed it; entertainment nor education.

[Rebecca Adams]

It's riduculous that people see it as educational!!
Fair enough if women want to be seen as 'sex objects' then you can't stop them but I certainly don't want to be seen as one!

[Connor Sephton]

It's a thought that if pornography was to be given a blanket ban, there would be some controversy as to the freedom of the people of Britain - as the ban would be seen as a censorship of media. Many cynics would deem the move as a start on the slippery slope down to all tributaries of the media being government controlled.

[Rebecca Adams]

It shouldn't be banned.

[kingdino]

i agree, it shoudnt be, if people arent forced to do it........

[Rebecca Adams]

If people are forced to do it then that's a different matter.

[Karen_H]

I don't think porn should be banned altogether, no, but there should be something done about the type that show violence and force.

[HMHW]

Yeah, its freedom of expression really. It should be censored in the sense that animals, children are not in it. And nothing illegal going on, which includes violence? I don't think it should be banned outright, its not really a femenist issue, kind of proud of themselves theres nothing wrong with that.

[EmmaGallen]

it shouldn't be banned and there has been a huge increase in the amount of porn aimed at women and directed by women.

You seen the mitchell and webb where he's writing a screenplay for a porno?

[Rebecca Adams]

It's freedom to do what we like and if people want to watch porn they should be able to

[adamlonsdale]

Exactly. It is Art, It is freedom of expression. However i still think it should be restricted to the age at which somebody becomes an adult.

[:Vampiress:]

I think calling women in crude positions art is going a bit too far. However I agree it shouldn't be banned it doesn't do any harm.

[adamlonsdale]

Well, i mean like artistic nude photography is a form of art, not watching a couple of people have intercourse. Thats actually quite disgusting.

[HMHW]

Exactly. It is Art, It is freedom of expression. However i still think it should be restricted to the age at which somebody becomes an adult.

Yeah, when its sorted out when that is. Would you say that it should be the same age as when you are allowed to have sex anyway, or would it be different a.k.a higher? is letting 16yr olds appear in porn, creepy or freedom of expression?

[EmmaGallen]

16 is the legal age to have sex. If they can appear topless in the sun why not let htem be in porn?

[rosieposey]

16 is the legal age to have sex. If they can appear topless in the sun why not let htem be in porn?

What if they are still emmotionally immature?

[EmmaGallen]

Then they don't do it. I mean at 16 you get the chance to have sex and if you are "emotionally immature" or not it is still your decision.

[HMHW]

Then they don't do it. I mean at 16 you get the chance to have sex and if you are "emotionally immature" or not it is still your decision.

But would you say that 16 is emotionally mature to be in pornography? Is it the same thing as being emotionally mature enough for sex? Isn't there something a bit weird for 60yr old men to be looking at 16yr old girls?

[EmmaGallen]

There is. But if you are old enough to decie you want to have sex you are old enough to decide if you want to be in porn. It's you deciding if you want to show everyone your body.

[rosieposey]

There is. But if you are old enough to decie you want to have sex you are old enough to decide if you want to be in porn. It's you deciding if you want to show everyone your body.

Anyone can make a decision. However, if they are emmotionally immature, it is likely to be the wrong decision, and one that they will regret in the future. A four year old could decide to appear in porn, it doesn't mean that they are emmotionally mature enough to make that decision!

[EmmaGallen]

yes and it is illegal for a four year old to have sex.

How do you decide if soemone is "emotionally immature" anyway?

Legal age for sex should equal the legal age for porn is what i think.

[mo .R.]

i dont think porn should be banned but some women and men may think this is there last chance so they go into the industry because they feel they have no other option but some times this is not the case maybe women and men just like to do this and if so its there choice as long as there happy! :D :D
i also think this argument is one sided no one is looking at how men would feel etc
btw art is i the eyes of the beholder!!! ppl have different views on art i think porn is more entertainment than art but thats just me!

[rosieposey]

yes and it is illegal for a four year old to have sex..

Yes I know!!! I was talking about the age of maturity!
It is something that is difficult to measure, but at 16 you are less likely to be emmotionally mature than at say 18. At 16, you are still technically a child.

[mo .R.]

Yes I know!!! I was talking about the age of maturity!
It is something that is difficult to measure, but at 16 you are less likely to be emmotionally mature than at say 18. At 16, you are still technically a child.

that depends on the person im 16 do you think me immature?? although i think 16 is too young to star in a porn just because you havent finished development and your hormones are every where! plus you can be immature but its not fair to generalise! i mean some people dont even mature at 18 you still see 18yr olds getting wasted on the streets to me thats not mature its idiotic!!
as a 16yr old i dont think of myself as a child i may not be technically an adult but i am by no means a child! i do have my childish moments but dont we all!! i dont think like a child, i dont feel like a child and pritty sure i dont look like a child but that can be debatable!! lol :)

[Michael Lockwood]

Pornography in genearal is ok. Child pornography is discusting and should continue to be illegal and the penilties severe.
As long as the people in the films have agreedto have themselves shown then there really is no problem. I can see the female veiw of the problem of pornography and my message to them is dont watch it! If you dont like it then dont look at it. Aslong as the film maker has the allowence of the people in the film then ehre is no problem as they know what they are subjecting themselves to. :)

[Michael Lockwood]

Yes I know!!! I was talking about the age of maturity!
It is something that is difficult to measure, but at 16 you are less likely to be emmotionally mature than at say 18. At 16, you are still technically a child.

Although you are still technically a child the age at which you take responsibility for your actions is 10. If you can be responsible for your actions at 10 then you cirtainly can take actions at 16. I also want to add that at that age you know what you are doing and therefor you take full responsibility for your actions. :)

[HMHW]

I can see the female veiw of the problem of pornography and my message to them is dont watch it! If you dont like it then dont look at it.

I know what you mean but I don't really think they are objecting to the fact it looks ugly or something, they are objecting it makes men look at women as objects while watching porn, then come into work the next day and look at a working woman and do exactly the same thing, making it unfair on her, because she is trying to work with equals and if she tries to put across some business ideas to that man, he would not take her seriously because he isn't thinking of her as a working equal whose ideas count.

Though, putting that all aside I do not think it should be banned because you don't ban things simply because some people react to them the wrong way. Its like the fact some children steal from your shop so you ban children, its just unfair and ruins it for the majority that don't :)

[rosieposey]

that depends on the person im 16 do you think me immature??

I don't know you, and i'm not generalising! All i'm saying is that whilst many 16 year olds are very mature (some more mature than 60 year olds!), overall you mature with age. Therefore, the older you are, the more likely you are to be more mature. Therefore, to lower the likelyhood of an emmotionally immature person appearing in pornography; it would be better to set 18 as an age limit. You have to look at the masses, not the individuals; because we all emmotionally develop at different rates, and maturity doesn't have a set measurement!:)

[rosieposey]

at that age you know what you are doing and therefor you take full responsibility for your actions. :)

Yes, at that age you do know what you are doing, and you are able to take responsibility for your actions. However, in the future, when you have matured, what if you regret it? What if it comes back to haunt you? For example, you have children who find out what you did. How will that affect them? What if in the future, you complain and say "I was only a child! Why didn't anyone stop me? I knew what I was doing, but didn't have the maturity to think through all of the concequences!"?

[matt christodoulou]

All i'm saying is that whilst many 16 year olds are very mature (some more mature than 60 year olds!), overall you mature with age.

Well, you can't say that if you think that 16 year olds are not allowed to watch it, if older people can be just the same in mature backgrounds.

[rosieposey]

Well, you can't say that if you think that 16 year olds are not allowed to watch it, if older people can be just the same in mature backgrounds.

Read through my post again. I said that we need to look at the masses and not the individuals.

[matt christodoulou]

Yeah that is what i'm trying to say, you can't say that 16 year olds are not mature if enough as a group - where is the respect? - by 16 years of age most people are mature enough.

[make.me.smile]

What does porn have to do with maturity - sorry but seriously? It makes no difference what age groups are watching it and making them yourself - I'm guessing from 16 with your parents consent (though I doubt many people would want to have that conversation) and 18 without.

[rosieposey]

I'm guessing from 16 with your parents consent (though I doubt many people would want to have that conversation) and 18 without.

I think that your idea about having parent's consent is good. The whole maturity thing is very relevant to whether or not someone is 'ready' to appear in pornography. It's just as important as somebody needing to be emotionally 'ready' to have sex.

[rosieposey]

Yeah that is what i'm trying to say, you can't say that 16 year olds are not mature if enough as a group - where is the respect? - by 16 years of age most people are mature enough.

It's not a matter of respect. If it is illegal for a four year old to appear in pornography, does that mean that four year olds are not respected? No.

[EmmaGallen]

It's not a matter of respect. If it is illegal for a four year old to appear in pornography, does that mean that four year olds are not respected? No.

Don't think you can just say four year olds are respected. they are protected but what they think isn't respected at all.

[rosieposey]

Don't think you can just say four year olds are respected. they are protected but what they think isn't respected at all.

That's my point. It's not about respect. It's about being protected.

[Liam Hannan]

Two things;
Under Scots Law, at 16 you are legally an adult - so our lot aren't technically children.


The Reason the age is 18 is because that's the international standard that everyone agrees to.
Everywhere has different ages of consent, but keeping the age you can be in porn at 18 means that there doesn't become this international market in exploitation.

Hawaii has an age of consent of 14
Japan has no age of consent

That does not mean that it's ok for people in the UK to watch videos made there that could star children.

It's all about keeping children in other parts of the world safe, not holding back our 16 year olds.