When young men speak, change can happen.
Earlier this month, the NSW Parliament released its report into the Impacts of Harmful Pornography on Mental, Emotional and Physical Health.
The Inquiry confirmed what young men in our programs have been saying for years: pornography is shaping how young people understand sex, relationships, masculinity and consent.
“It’s just too easily accessible for everyone to have because it’s essentially on your phone. You can search it up; it’s so simple. There’s no way of stopping anyone from accessing it, basically. In my opinion, it’s such a bad thing to have in our life because it can affect our mental wellbeing and also our physical wellbeing.” — Youth participant
“Pornography is one of the least regulated industries. It’s important to recognise that it’s an industry that is not meant for sexual health or for the general public to learn about that. It’s for entertainment and to make profit.” — Youth participant
“There’s no actual way to get rid of it completely… education is the best workaround.” — Youth participant
What the Inquiry found
The Committee found that exposure often begins early, with some children seeing sexualised content as young as nine years old.
It acknowledged that shame and stigma make it difficult for boys to talk about pornography, even when they want help.
The Inquiry called for honest, age-appropriate, and shame-free education delivered by trained professionals, and recognised that education works — not fear.
“When young men understand how pornography impacts them both physically and mentally, they’re ready to fully engage with evidence about respect and consent.” — Top Blokes submission cited
Where we made an impact
Throughout the report, Top Blokes is referenced for elevating the voices of young men and providing lived-experience insight that helped shape the Committee’s 17 recommendations.
Top Blokes program participants and our Youth Ambassador Council members shared personal stories of first exposure, mental-health impacts, and the need for safe spaces to talk.
Key recommendations that align directly with our evidence include:
- Recommendation 1: Invest in domestic research on the impacts of pornography on young males’ mental and physical health.
- Recommendation 5 and 9: Develop education programs and resources designed with and for young people.
- Recommendation 8: Upskill and support parents and carers to have non-judgemental conversations.
- Recommendation 11: Fund external expert educators (like Top Blokes) to deliver pornography-literacy education in schools .
The Committee also highlighted Top Blokes’ approach in building trust with young males aged 10–24 through qualified youth workers, and in engaging parents through supportive text updates that encourage further discussion at home.
The impact we can have
“Many of the young men we mentor tell us they want to talk about pornography but shame, stigma, and a lack of trusted adults make it difficult.” — Melissa Abu-Gazaleh, Managing Director, Top Blokes Foundation
The report proves that when young men are given a voice, they create solutions that protect and empower their generation. Young men don’t need more fear — they need conversation, connection, and education.
At Top Blokes, we see every day how these honest conversations help young men understand themselves and each other. This Inquiry shows that their voices can change policy and change lives. We’ll continue partnering with young men, families, schools and policy-makers to turn these recommendations into action.
Join us in continuing the conversation. Support programs that prioritise education over censorship, conversation over shame, and help young men lead healthy, safe lives.
Download the report: NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Impacts of Harmful Pornography on Mental, Emotional and Physical Health – October 2025
