Pornography and Kids - What you Need to Know with Dr Justin Coulson

In this episode of On the Couch with Clare, I’m joined by Dr Justin Coulson - one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts, founder of Happy Families, and a long-time voice on how to raise emotionally-healthy kids in a digital world. We are discussing a topic that many parents find uncomfortable but it is essential - kids and pornography.

From first exposure (spoiler: it’s earlier than you think) to the long-term impact on body image, consent, relationships, and development. This is a grounded, respectful and eye-opening conversation for any adult raising or working with children today. If you’ve ever wondered how to have that conversation with your child, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• When and how most kids are first exposed to pornography

• What porn is teaching our kids and what they’re not learning

• The emotional and psychological impacts of early exposure

• How to talk about porn without shame, fear or shutting kids down

• Why open conversations around consent, respect and healthy relationships matter more than ever

• What schools should be teaching and what still falls to parents

• How to start the chat, even if you’ve left it later than you’d hoped.

Connect with Justin:

• Happy Families website 

• Instagram