Stuff We Should Know… About Porn

This lesson explores the messaging and issues associated with sexually explicit media. 

Learning intentions:

  • Analyse how online pornography misrepresents sexual intimacy in the real world
  • Critique the messages in online pornography that relate to gender, power and sexual behaviours
  • Articulate harmful messages in online pornography and how these may impact expectations and behaviours
  • Identify an online or community service that provides sexual health information and support

Digital Educator: Ben

  • 12-30 learners

    Class size

  • 9+

    Year Level

  • 45-60 minutes

    Course duration

  • One

    Student Handouts

    Preparing for the lesson

    Information
    Resources
    ACHPE Objectives
    UNESCO Objectives
    Safety & Wellbeing
    Sequence
    Extension
    In this Stuff We Should Know… About Porn lesson, students will explore pornography and the impact it can have on their attitudes and values. 

    Students will begin by defining pornography and watching a video from La Trobe University that highlights a number of key (and flawed) messages presented by sexually explicit media. Working in small groups for the remainder of the lesson, students will discuss the ways in which gendered messages and concepts of unequal power presented in pornography can impact individual and cultural understandings of relationships and sexuality. 

    Each lesson ends with a consolidation activity, inviting students to list 1 thing they have learnt from the lesson, 1 thing they already knew, 1 piece of advice they would share with a friend, and 1 adult or organisation that would be helpful in relation to the lesson topic.  

    Facilitator Printouts

    Student Printouts

    Additional Student Resources

    • SHINE SA Sexual Health phoneline offers confidential and anonymous information, advice and support for anyone that may have concerns about what they might be watching and how it might be impacting their own attitudes and behaviours. (South Australia). 
    • In The Know is a website for young people aged 13+ that offers information, help and tips on porn and other sexual stuff. (New Zealand).
    AC9HP10P04: Evaluate the influence of respect, empathy, power and coercion on establishing and maintaining respectful relationships. 
    • Investigating the characteristics of positive, respectful relationships and the rights and ethical responsibilities of individuals in relationships.


    AC9HP10P05:     Propose strategies and actions individuals and groups can implement to challenge biases, stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination, and promote inclusion in their communities. 
    • Analysing messages about gender norms and stereotypes in popular culture and considering the impact these might have on individuals, institutions and communities.  


    AC9HP10P09:     Critique health information, services and media messaging about relationships, lifestyle choices, health decisions and behaviours to evaluate their influence on individual attitudes and actions.  
    • Discussing how the portrayal of sexual relationships in TV shows, advertisements, movies, popular music and online content (such as pornography) may influence people’s beliefs about respectful, safe and consensual relationships.  
    Key Concept 3: Understanding Gender 
         3.1 The Social Construction of Gender and Gender Norms.
    •  Key idea: Romantic relationships can be negatively affected by gender roles and gender stereotypes.


    Key Concept 4: Violence and Staying Safe
         4.3  Safe Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ITCs).
    • Key idea:  Sexually explicit media and images can be sexually arousing and potentially harmful.


    Key Concept 5: Skills for Health and Wellbeing 
         5.4 Media Literacy and Sexuality.
    • Key idea: Some media portray unrealistic images about sexuality and sexual relationships, which can influence our perceptions of gender and self esteem.
    • Mainstream (freely accessible) online pornography is often heterosexual or uses gendered stereotypes around power and agency. It is important to continue to challenge heteronormativity and cisgenderism throughout the lesson with your language and talking points.
    • Not all students will have seen or want to see sexually explicit material and for some students, their exposure will have been in the context of grooming or abuse. Create space for a range of perspectives and allow students to leave the room and seek support if needed. 
    Ideally, you will have scope to deliver all of the lessons in your program. However we understand that many schools have limited capacity to do so. Should you find yourself having to implement part of this program, we have provided a suggested sequence of lessons within the broader skills and knowledge categories of relationship, consent, gender, and health & legal literacy. We recommend delivering at least one lesson from each category.

    1. Group Agreements & Pod Mapping should be the first lesson as per best practice.

    Terms & Conditions of use

    Stay Connected

    • info@respectcollective.com.au
    Copyright © 2025

    Respect Collective Pty Ltd acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of the lands and waters where we live, work, and meet. We pay our respects to elders past and present. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.