In July last year, implementation began for a long-overdue new measure in the Online Safety Act – age verification. This landmark new rule mandates platforms with pornographic or harmful content to check users’ ages. It’s designed to prevent under-18s from accessing content that could harm them.
Six months on, we’ve surveyed UK adults to understand how age verification has changed the way adults view pornography.
45% of UK pornography users have visited sites that aren’t compliant with age verification
People visiting these sites should be aware that they may be putting themselves at greater risk of encountering harmful content.
Our poll of more than 3,700 Brits – including 1,397 pornography users – showed that of those who have visited sites not compliant with the Online Safety Act, 39% have watched content that made them uncomfortable. 40% said what they had seen put them off visiting that site altogether.
Our concern is that sites that avoid compliance with the Act may also be more likely to host harmful or illegal content, and in some cases, sexual images of children.
Age verification is having a positive impact on some porn users
Nearly half (47%) of survey respondents say they have reduced the amount of pornography they watch since age verification came into force, and more than half (55%) say it has made them think about their porn use.
Age verification is prompting adults to reflect on their online behaviour, which can be a good thing for people worried about their porn use.
We’re urging people to reflect, recognise problematic habits, and get help
In our clinical work to help people who have crossed the line and viewed sexual images of children change their behaviour, many of them tell us they started this pathway with mainstream pornography. Escalating pornography habits can lead to online sexual offending against children. Even if you’re not looking for sexual images of children, you could encounter them – which can have serious, life-changing consequences. These images also cause devastating harm to the children depicted in them, who are revictimized every time the image is seen.
Nearly a third (30%) of the people we surveyed said they were concerned about how much pornography they use – this was highest among young men aged 18–24 (51%).
We’re encouraging anyone concerned about their pornography use and worried about the type of content they are viewing to seek help before it escalates. A pathway out of this behaviour through confidential support is available through the Stop It Now helpline.
Through our work with people who offend, we have clear evidence that escalating pornography habits can lead to risky and illegal online behaviours, including online grooming and viewing sexual images of children.
Bradley’s story
Someone that knows all too well how escalating pornography habits can turn into illegal online behaviours is Bradley* who, in his 20s, began viewing sexual images of children online.
“In the days leading up to my arrest, my life looked successful from the outside”, says Bradley. “I was 24, earning a six-figure salary, and seemed confident and put-together at work. But privately, I was deeply unhappy. I was lonely, depressed, and desperate for affection. When I was at home, the person people saw in the office disappeared. I used porn and sexting to escape, to feel wanted, to feel like I belonged somewhere.
“I first accessed porn at around seven years old, and over time my tolerance changed. What once satisfied me stopped working, so I sought out more extreme content. For a long time it stayed within legal boundaries, but eventually I pushed beyond them. It wasn’t a sudden jump — it was a slow progression driven by isolation, stress, shame, and an unwillingness to reach out for help.
“The day I was arrested my first reaction wasn’t anger or denial — it was relief. I felt like I was finally going to get the help I’d needed for years.
“My life has changed dramatically since then. Through support services, like those provided by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, I’ve been able to better understand myself, my compulsions and most important, the harm caused by my action. Shame doesn’t prevent offending — support does. If you’re worried about your sexual online behaviours, know that help is available.”
Protecting children from harm is everyone’s responsibility
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Child Protection and Abuse Investigation Assistant Chief Constable Becky Riggs, is supporting our campaign to share these survey results and urge people to recognise any concerning elements in their online behaviour. “While I wholeheartedly believe that online child sexual abuse is preventable, not inevitable, it’s an issue that continues to grow in prevalence and severity year on year”, she says.
“Protecting children from harm is a responsibility we all share, and whilst policing works every day to target the most harmful criminals intent on abusing children online, we must see greater action from technology companies to make their platforms safer. Age verification checks introduced by the Online Safety Act mark a positive step forward – but it’s clear more work needs to be done to keep the public and our children safe online.
“The work of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation is fundamental in intercepting those who do or could pose a risk to children, and I would encourage anyone who is worried about their online behaviour to get help now, don’t let it escalate.”
Anonymous support is available through Stop It Now
Every day, our advisors speak to people whose pornography use has spiralled into something much more harmful. We know embarrassment can stop people from reaching out, but if you are worried about your online sexual behaviour, or the behaviours of someone close to you, there is anonymous and confidential advice and support available over the phone at 0808 1000 900, via secure email, live chat, or online via the Stop It Now website.
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