This article was written by Kayelene Kerr from eSafeKids.
I often hear people use the term 'child pornography' and I want to explain why this term benefits child sex offenders and should not be used. In this blog I'll explain why the term 'child sexual abuse material' or 'child sexual abuse and exploitation material' is more appropriate.
Child Sexual Abuse Material
To be clear child sexual abuse material is photos and videos of children’s private body parts and children being sexually abused and exploited.
Every photo or video captures an actual situation where a child has been abused. As someone who has had to watch the most heinous content I can't stress enough how depraved this content is.
Please don’t use the term 'child pornography'. The children in the photos and videos deserve for us to accurately label what they are experiencing.
Why the Term 'Child Pornography' Should Not Be Used
The term 'child pornography' is inaccurate and should not be used. It benefits child sex offenders because it:
Minimises Harm
The word "pornography" often implies a consensual exchange between adults, which is not applicable when children are involved. Children cannot consent to sexual activities, making any depiction of such exploitation inherently abusive. It also conjures images of children posing in 'provocative' positions, rather than suffering horrific sexual and physical abuse.
Normalisation of Abuse
Using a term that contains 'pornography' may suggest that the material is acceptable in some contexts, thereby normalising the sexualisation of children and trivialising the abuse they endure. It can also lead to confusion about the legal status of such material and the severity of the associated crimes.
Criminality
The term can obscure the fact that all forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation are criminal acts. It risks conveying a false sense of legality or social acceptability regarding the material.
Objectification of Victims
The term places more emphasis on the content than on the children who are victims. This focus can detract from the urgency of preventing child sexual abuse and exploitation and supporting victim-survivors.
Shifting Responsibility
By discussing 'pornography' the conversation can inadvertently shift towards debates about free speech or artistic expression rather than highlighting the need to protect children.
Diminished Public Awareness
The use of a term that sounds less alarming may lead to decreased awareness and urgency in addressing child sexual abuse and exploitation.
Empowering Victims
Using precise language can help empower survivors and convey a stronger message about the need for justice and protection, fostering a culture that prioritises child safety.
A Final Thought
Overall, the use of more accurate and descriptive language is crucial in discussions about child sexual abuse and exploitation. It helps to raise awareness, fosters a better understanding of the issues at stake and underscores the need for collective action to protect children from harm.
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About The Author
Kayelene Kerr is recognised as one of Western Australia’s most experienced specialist providers of Protective Behaviours, Body Safety, Cyber Safety, Digital Wellness and Pornography education workshops. Kayelene is passionate about the prevention of child abuse and sexual exploitation, drawing on over 27 years’ experience of study and law enforcement, investigating sexual crimes, including technology facilitated crimes. Kayelene delivers engaging and sought after prevention education workshops to educate, equip and empower children and young people, and to help support parents, carers, educators and other professionals. Kayelene believes protecting children from harm is a shared responsibility and everyone can play a role in the care, safety and protection of children. Kayelene aims to inspire the trusted adults in children’s lives to tackle sometimes challenging topics.
About eSafeKids
eSafeKids strives to reduce and prevent harm through proactive prevention education, supporting and inspiring parents, carers, educators and other professionals to talk with children, young people and vulnerable adults about protective behaviours, body safety, cyber safety, digital wellness and pornography. eSafeKids is based in Perth, Western Australia.
eSafeKids provides books and resources to teach children about social and emotional intelligence, resilience, empathy, gender equality, consent, body safety, protective behaviours, cyber safety, digital wellness, media literacy, puberty and pornography.
eSafeKids books can support educators teaching protective behaviours and child abuse prevention education that aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum, Australian Curriculum, Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework: National Quality Standards (NQS).
