Episode 58 | Understanding Child & Youth Exposure to Pornography

In this episode, Janet sits down with Matthew Johnson to explore how and why young people encounter pornography and what parents need to know.

Matthew is the Director of Education for MediaSmarts, Canada’s Centre for Digital and Media Literacy. He’s the author of numerous educational resources and the architect of MediaSmarts’ Use, Understand, Engage digital literacy framework used in schools across the country.

In this episode, he shares findings from national research on how kids access pornography, the advertising and business models that drive it, and what we know about its impact on children and youth.

Janet and Matthew also discuss the blurred line between mainstream sexualized content and pornographic media, how gender stereotypes and peer pressure shape teens’ experiences, and why education – not censorship – may be our most effective tool in protecting youth.

Whether you’re a parent navigating awkward conversations, a teacher supporting media literacy, or a professional working with teens, this episode offers a nuanced and deeply thoughtful look at one of the more complex digital risks facing kids today.

To learn more about Matthew’s work and access MediaSmarts resources, visit ⁠mediasmarts.ca⁠.

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