Highland-based election candidate spells out porn concerns
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The dangers of young children having access to pornographic materials is being highlighted by Philipp Tanzer, the Scottish Family Party’s regional list candidate for the Highlands and Islands in the May Holyrood election.
Durness based Mr Tanzer (43), has a background in the gay porn industry but now raises awareness of the negative effect pornograpy can have on adults and particularly on children.
He said there was a danger of addiction with people spending hours searching the web for pornography. It could also lead to unhealthy expectations which made people insecure about their own bodies.
“Porn is not a men’s problem,” he said. “Both boys and girls consume pornography and both suffer under its impact.”
Mr Tanzer is on the regional list alongside Scottish Family Party colleague Michael Willis.
Mr Willis claimed pornography was being promoted in the school curriculum in education on relationships, sexual health and parenthood (RSHP).
He said: “The big growth area for the consumption of porn are children aged between 12 and 17. This is partly because it is readily available and many parents are unaware, but also because it is being actively promoted within our schools.
"Pornography should be treated like alcohol and nicotine, especially when addressed in education. The dangers need to be highlighted and the current sex education is doing the opposite.”
The Scottish Government states on its website: “RSHP education is a key part of health and wellbeing within the Curriculum for Excellence. RSHP education focuses on equipping children and young people with the knowledge, skills and values to make informed and positive choices about forming relationships.
“It can assist with making safer decisions about their sexual and emotional health and wellbeing.”
