Thanks for that info R Stuart.

As for the debate on sex crime and porn, does it worsen or lessen the problem? I think a bit of both.

Johnj - thank you for the links - though I have a bit of trouble with pdf files, I found it worth going back then and re-reading the article in the light of this both this background material and the bio. Ahhh...now I get it.

Robert, yeah, thanks to you also. As I said, its an area which I haven't kept up with lately so I was seriously beginning to wonder if some whole new paradigm shift had taken place while I've been up here.

Although there's a lot of silly devils around on OLO ( I guess I'm one of them, according to some people) I always appreciate the fact that people can always be relied upon to respond to appeals for help. Thanks guys. Now I know what I'm dealing with I'll view any further articles by this writer with the info you provided in mind.

For those of you arguing that it is healthy for young children to watch porn (in the interests of a well rounded and healthy society) may I ask:

1. Is there any age at all that you might consider it inappropriate for a child to view porn (whether accessed by accident or intentionally)?

2. How does viewing violent porn and similar (rape, animal, incest etc) aid in developing this healthy societal view about sex?

3. Is there any sort of porn that you would consider inappropriate for children to view?

I would agree that societies where there is more openness about sex usually indicates a stronger sense of democracy and equality between the sexes. (Unlike those countries who still believe women should be totally covered up) But to argue that porn contributes to this wellbeing is a bit thin.

We can link always find stats and articles that support one particular point of view. When it comes down to it, the best evidence is experience - watching your own kids, raising children and dealing with children in a professional capacity.

It does not take much nouse to realise that children are more sexualised today often at quite a young age and while they come into possessing this knowledge they do not simultaneously possess the maturity, empathy or discernment to match that knowledge.

Yes we are all sexual beings, but is there is a point to which we have to make age appropriate decisions to protect children until they reach a certain level of maturity. Is there anything wrong with the old adage that lets children enjoy being children for its own sake because we are a long time an adult?

Pelican addresses "those of you arguing that it is healthy for young children to watch porn." Are you reading a different thread to the rest of us? Who exactly has advocated that? I can understand strong feelings on the issue, but weren't you were the one who complained about "overwrought hysteria" earlier in the thread?

For the technicalities of the issue people might be interested in the Whirlpool (Australian broadband discussion forum) wiki on Cleanfeed http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/?tag=cleanfeed

The folks on Whirlpool have worked themselves into a frenzy on Cleanfeed. A sample may be found here http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1097810 They are now on their 16th thread (each of 50 pages) on this topic. Thats right, they are approaching 1,000 pages of posts on this issue....

pelican: "Is there any age at all that you might consider it inappropriate for a child to view porn (whether accessed by accident or intentionally)?"

Nope. If they are looking at it intentionally, the game is over pelican. You've lost control, and can only hope whatever you have done so far was enough. If they see it accidentally, see david f's reply. It reflects my own experience.

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?article=8200#128236

pelican: "How does viewing violent porn and similar"

My instinct, like yours I suspect, is to censor stuff that directly incites violence, or produces immediate harm - porn or otherwise. And there some very good studies showing societies and social groups that don't defend themselves against direct attack usually disintegrate. That said, numerous examples show censorship is a poor defence. A stellar example of good defence is how our own Muslims handled their Mufti. Once his ideas hit the mainstream press, he was effectively silenced - no censorship required. If the poisonous ideals fed to the UK bombers had been in public view, there would have been no UK bombings. Such examples illustrate why I view any attempt at censorship with deep suspicion.

You should too pelican. Where porn is dragged out into the open, like in Scandinavian countries, Japan and so on, women are treated very well. I'd wager one reason is because when men can't just view it in private the girls make them very aware of their opinions of it at an early age. It is an education young Australian males don't get.

Instinct, even powerful instinct, can be wrong.

pelican: "always find stats and articles that support one particular point of view."

Sigh. "Yes" I yell, head in hands. But real, hard figures are the best method we have of exploring the world we live in. I'd say the only reliable method. They are dammed hard to use, and finding them takes a huge amount of effort. Still, this is the first time I have ever seen MTR make any attempt to do so. I hope it is the first step in a long journey for her.

pelican, I doubt that there are any easy answers to your questions. The point I'd draw the line is between adolescents seeking the stuff out or an adult using it to try to sexualise them.

It's an issue I'm trying to deal with, my son is showing signs of interest but has had enough religious teaching to feel very uncomfortable about the whole thing. That leads to a reluctance to discuss what's happening with responsible adults and from what I can gather attempts to find out more in secret. In my view a dangerous mix.

I've not followed the research on the impacts of the violent stuff other than reading other peoples comments and my impresssion of that is access to violent porn may actually reduce the incidence of violent sexual assault. It seems to be a chicken and egg argument, does exposure to porn increase sexual appetite or does sexual appetite increase the interest in porn? I tend to think the latter.

R0bert