Insights from adolescents, parents and post-primary teachers on the educational response to early-adolescents (11-14-year-olds) use of online pornography

These included a six-hour (3 x 2hr) RSE programme for youth and a one-hour information session for parents and teachers, held prior to research consent. Data collection involved six group interviews with parents and teachers, and ten two-hour classroom sessions with young people. These sessions included three 40-minute activities, fostering critical consciousness and group discussions on power structures and knowledge dynamics.

Initial vignettes depicted adolescent pornography engagement, promoting empathy. Subsequent carousel and creative brainstorming activities built on this, generating collaborative solutions. Parents and teachers then participated in six focus group interviews, using the same vignettes as young participants for discussion.

The findings underscored adolescents' need for a safe environment, pornography education, and trusted confidants. Parents were seen as potential sources of information with appropriate knowledge and attitudes. Collaborative parent-school efforts were deemed crucial for effective education.

The study innovatively initiated capacity building events before discussing sensitive topics, fostering informed and comfortable discussions. Employing a triangulation approach with multiple perspectives and data collection methods enhanced the depth of research findings, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the issue.