|
Uk Government Proposes Tighter Controls on Pornography |
|
|
|
|
Written by Staff Writer
|
|
Mar 06, 2007 at 12:35 AM |
Earlier today, UK Culture Minister David Lammy announced Government proposals for a major overhaul of the law on age restrictions over the use of pornographic material.
The proposals, contained in a new 'White Paper', follow an extensive public consultation exercise on current legislation which, according to David Lammy, is far too relaxed on the issue of pornography. He referred to recent scientific studies, which suggested, though not
conclusively, that excessive viewing of pornographic materials might be disruptive or even potentially damaging to the social and sexual development of young people. He said that current attitudes to pornography represented a "potentially severe underestimation of a
subtly manifested social issue".
Two studies, conducted towards the end of 2006, covered a relatively large sample population (8000, 6200) The first was aimed at gauging the sexual attitudes of young people aged 14 to 19, and found a slight correlation between pornography use and "objectifying" attitudes to real women and sex.
The second study sought to analyse the effects of pornographic material on the brain and behaviour. Subjects were shown a series of pornographic images for various durations, and then underwent a series of staggered IQ and EQ tests.
Although problem solving ability was unaffected, EQ (emotional quotient) tests showed a very significant slump, which lasted for a significant period of time after repeated pornographic viewings.
There is also evidence that this constitutes a significant and long-term distraction from other activities such as school work. Further studies will need to be done in order to produce more definitive results, but many are already convinced.
If new legislation is introduced, it will most likely concern age restrictions on obtaining pornographic material, and more effective enforcement of these restrictions. As studies suggest that teenagers under 18 are most susceptible to the potentially damaging developmental effects of extended pornography use, the new "white paper" mainly focuses on controls for this age group.
David Lammy wished to make it clear that this proposal was not "an attempt at moralising", but represented a genuine concern that irresponsible attitudes to young people and pornographic material, "which is available in greater quantity and with greater ease than ever before", since the advent of the internet, might be socially damaging.
Further studies are set to take place, but the proposal is still controversial. The "white paper" is scheduled for review in October 2007.
Carlini Vincenza
06/03/2007
[Unregistered news] |
|
Last Updated ( Mar 06, 2007 at 12:44 AM )
|
Blog