Sexual Health Week 16–19 Project: Exploring Pornography through RSE
Sarah Simons is Brook’s Participation Manager, working with young people across the UK to ensure their voices shape the relationships and sex education (RSE) they receive. This Sexual Health Week, she shares how Brook’s 16–19 Participation Advisory Group (PAG) has co-designed an innovative new lesson on pornography awareness – and why this matters for older teens and young adults.
The Need for Continued RSE in Key Stage 5
In my role as Brook’s Participation Manager, I have the privilege of working alongside our national 16–19 Participation Advisory Group (PAG). Over the past year, the group have co-designed a new RSE lesson focused on pornography awareness. The group recognised that, by the time they reach 16 and move into Key Stage 5, many young people stop receiving RSE – if they were lucky enough to receive any at all.
RSE is not mandatory at this stage, which is often when teenagers are changing schools or starting at a new sixth form or college. The group reflected that RSE at this point would have helped them navigate changes in friendships and relationships and make sense of what they were seeing online. At 16 and 17, young people are actively shaping their sense of self and forming relationships, making it crucial to address the influence of pornography.
Addressing the Influence of Online Content
Much of what is available online can present distorted and harmful ideas. A 16–19 Brook PAG member noted: "This lesson is important, especially at key stage 5, because a lot of the members are over the age of consent, meaning they may be having these experiences. Young people basing their own experiences off of what they may have seen online can be harmful, as online content can push harmful stereotypes and content (such as what a ‘normal’ body looks like, and what’s ‘normal’ during sex)."
Brook Resources and Support Services
Brook provides a wide range of help and advice covering essential topics for young people:
- Contraception and STIs
- Pregnancy and Sex
- Gender and Sexuality
- My Body (Vaginas & Vulvas, Penises & testicles)
- Abuse and Relationships
- Mental Health & Wellbeing
In addition to educational projects, Brook offers direct services and tools for professionals and parents:
Table: Brook Tools and Support Services
| Category | Available Services and Tools |
|---|---|
| Clinical & Help | Our clinics, Getting an STI test, Emergency contraception |
| Education & Training | Relationships and Sex Education, Safeguarding, Online courses |
| Professional Tools | Traffic Light Tool, Spotting the Signs of CSE Tool, Big RSE Lessons |
| Specialized Training | Consent and Bystander Intervention Training, Menopause Workplace Training |
How to Get Involved
There are many ways to support our mission and ensure young people receive high-quality RSE. You can Donate to Brook, Fundraise, or explore Volunteering and participation opportunities. Professionals and parents can also access free resources and sign up for our newsletter to get regular email updates and info on what we're up to.