Pornography on Trial

Is pornography harmful? Pupils have a chance to play the part of a jury by evaluating 8 pieces of real evidence for and against, then present their conclusions and reasoning in workbooks.

Using video interviews with former addicts and doctors, Twitter exchanges, World Health Organization guidance and more, this interactive lesson develops critical thinking and debating skills. It allows pupils to express their emotions and thoughts in a safe space about one of the most controversial subjects in our culture. It also provides access to evidence-based material for HM Inspectors and for parents.

This lesson is aimed at 15-18 year olds and comes in 2 versions to give teachers more options, teacher-led and group work. No pornography is shown in this diversity friendly lesson. It’s ideal for showing to HM Inspectors or parents how the new RSE and RSHP programmes are being taught.

Pornography on Trial is the first of our five lessons on Internet Pornography. It can be taught as a stand-alone lesson or in combination with Love, Pornography and Relationships , Pornography and Mental Health, Pornography and the Adolescent Brain and The Great Porn Experiment.

The Reward Foundation has worked with a range of experts including more than 20 teachers, many experienced in developing training materials for schools, youth and community leaders, psychiatrists, doctors, psychologists and many parents. We have piloted the lessons in over a dozen schools across the UK. One of the lead authors of the lessons is a lawyer (Scottish Advocate/barrister) with teaching experience.

Resources for group work: 20-slide PowerPoint (.pptx) with 2 embedded videos with sound, a 12-page Teacher’s Guide and an 21-page Evidence Pack to allow pupils to decide the question ‘Is pornography harmful?’ (both .pdf). There are hot links to relevant research and further resources.

Resources for teacher-led: 18-slide PowerPoint (.pptx) with 2 embedded videos with sound, a 12-page Teacher’s Guide and an 8-page Workbook to allow pupils to decide the question ‘Is pornography harmful?’ (both .pdf). There are hot links to relevant research and further resources.