News Focus: Guiding youth requires a collective effort

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A LEADING voice on women’s health and wellbeing says a holistic approach is needed to tackle the influence of porn on the sexual outlook of young people.

Emily Lee-Ack, the executive officer of Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West, said the issues stemming from the influence of porn should not be dealt with in isolation.

“We need to lead with our words and our actions,” Ms Lee-Ack said.

“It’s about the way we teach our children about healthy, respectful relationships. 

“That is not just about sex; it’s the way we treat each other in all situations. We need to equip our children so they can critically analyse what they are seeing.”

Ms Lee-Ack was lavish in her praise of Maree Crabbe and the role she was playing.

“We are so lucky to have access to the incredible work Maree is doing,” Ms Lee-Ack said. “Maree’s work is ground-breaking stuff – not just locally, but on an international scale.”

Ms Lee-Ack said a combined effort was needed to help tackle the effect of porn on youth.

“The target audience is adults,” Crabbe said of The Porn Factor.

“It’s parents, teachers, psychologists, doctors, police, youth workers, adults who live and work with young people and need to understand these issues, as difficult as they are.

“The film is not all comfortable, it’s difficult at various points. It’s not an easy watch, but I encourage people to remember its purpose.”