Boys who watch porn more likely to indulge in casual sex, harass girls

Boys who watch pornography are more likely to harass girls and indulge in casual sex, a new study has found.

The study, which was carried out in a dozen countries, also found that male children who watch X-rated films or clips were less likely to form successful relationships when they grow older, reports The Times.

The report, Harms of Pornography Exposure Among Children and Young People, was carried out at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society.

Michael Flood, who carried out the study, said: "There is compelling evidence from around the world that pornography has negative effects on individuals and communities.

"We know it is shaping sexual knowledge. Some people may think that is good. But porn is a very poor sex educator because it shows sex in unrealistic ways and fails to address intimacy, love, connection, or romance. Often it is quite callous and hostile in its depictions of women.

"It doesn't mean that every young person is going out to rape somebody, but it does increase the likelihood that will happen."

Petra Boynton, a psychologist, said: "Children are not necessarily looking at porn for gratification. They are doing so because they are bored and not supervised. Often when children look at more extreme porn it is done for bravado so they can laugh and say how disgusting it is."