Dr Elly Hanson is a Clinical Psychologist, Research Director of the PSHE Association's Fully Human initiative and has authored a report on pornography's impact on young people. 

Ahead of speaking at Digital Families 2022, Dr Hanson discussed what she hopes this year’s conference will explore, why online legislation is at a “critical moment” and the importance of empowering parents.

PZ: What do you hope the Digital Families conference 2022 might explore?

EH: There’s so much complexity to the online world; my hope is that the conference helps parents, teachers, all of us, to understand those complexities so we can better protect children and support them in navigating them.

We’re also at a critical moment with the Online Safety Bill and wider scrutiny of tech companies and I’d love the conference to inform those discussions.

 

PZ: What is the most important thing parents need to be aware of when it comes to online porn?

EH: That it is a multi-billion pound industry, trying to shape people’s sexuality away from what is most satisfying and ethical and towards something ugly that makes it profit. It is fundamentally undermining our autonomy. Children need protection (and critical knowledge) so that they have the space and tools to develop a sexuality which is rooted in respect and connection.

 

PZ: Aside from porn, what are the biggest digital issues facing parents? What do you think is likely to emerge or become problematic in the future? 

EH: A lot of online platforms are driven by the same business model – the one of surveillance capitalism, manipulation, and behaviour modification. This is already driving a host of societal problems, fuelling hate, division and misinformation, sexualising children, and diminishing our autonomy. 

I’m also concerned around the development of Virtual Reality porn, a more immersive version which could worsen the impacts and harms that we’re already grappling with.

 

PZ: What do you think about the current Online Safety Bill? What would you like to see from the new PM with regards to protecting children online?

EH: The Online Safety Bill has been a positive development, especially in its revised form. There are still some omissions: it needs to be stronger on regulating porn, and it was disappointing that it doesn't stop children being targeted with ads. However, it is a huge step forward compared to what we have currently in terms of legislation. 

What is worrying is that we were really close to getting the Bill “over the line” – but both candidates for the next Prime Minister have said they want to review it again. This is despite the massive amounts of review and consultation and revision that has already gone on. 

Further delay just won’t do. We have already had legislation to age-verify porn stopped in 2017 – we can’t allow another generation of children to be exposed to this content. 

 

PZ: What can parents do to help children maximise the benefits of life online?

EH: Firstly, take an interest in your child’s interests: get to know the games or apps they’re using. 

Also, share knowledge with your child. As adults we often assume children know more than we do, especially when it comes to technology. But adults have an understanding of the dynamics at play that is powerful to share and will inform children's decision-making.

Have boundaries around what they use and for how long, especially around those apps and platforms that use the manipulative business model I spoke about, where their data is being used to shape them (I have particular concerns about TikTok and Instagram). Ideally, set these boundaries collaboratively.

And lastly, don't underestimate the impact of parental safe settings.

 

PZ: What is your favourite app or platform?

EH: I do try and avoid those that draw particularly on surveillance capitalism and prefer things like podcasts, (good) websites and Spotify. I find podcasts often allow for a deeper dive into an issue, rather than offering a quick ‘drive-by’.

This year’s Digital Families conference takes place on 18 October 2022. Register for your ticket here.