AIFS research report, December 2017

Part A: Synthesis report

Part B: Review of the literature

Appendix 1: Evidence library

In 2016, the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) was engaged by the Department of Social Services to review what the available research evidence tells us about the impact exposure to and consumption of online pornography has on children and young people.

The purpose of this project was not to duplicate the considerable work undertaken by other researchers working on these issues (e.g., Flood, 2009; Flood & Hamilton, 2003a, 2003b; Sabina, Wolak, & Finkelhor, 2008; Wolak, Mitchell, & Finkelhor, 2007; Ybarra & Mitchell, 2005). Rather, the purpose was to synthesise recent research and current approaches/interventions across this range of domains to inform future initiatives to reduce the negative impacts of pornography on children and young people.

Part A synthesises what the research literature tells us in terms of:
- how children and young people are exposed to or consume online pornography;
- the nature of harms associated with this exposure and/or consumption; and
- the diverse factors that may mediate these harms.

The implications are then considered for designing and implementing initiatives that aim to address the harms associated with online sexually explicit material. The methodological approach used to undertake the review is described in Part B, the review of the literature. (From the website).

The Evidence library (Appendix) is published as a standalone document (PDF file). It is a structured, annotated bibliography of the research literature used to inform the Research report. It can be accessed here or see #5901. Record #5900