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Chief Censor calls for porn law reform

Author
Newstalk ZB ,
Publish Date
Wed, 5 Dec 2018, 4:57PM
David Shanks says the law is outdated. (Photo / Getty)

Chief Censor calls for porn law reform

Author
Newstalk ZB ,
Publish Date
Wed, 5 Dec 2018, 4:57PM

There are calls for updated legislation around porn to address the realities children face in 21st century life.

New research shows that half of young New Zealanders who regularly view porn think access should be restricted for children and teens.

More than 2,000 people between 14 and 17 have been surveyed on the issue of youth and porn.

It also shows that one in four young Kiwis have seen porn before 12.

Chief Censor David Shanks says he was astonished by the call for regulation from teens.

He says young people should be listened to.

"Young people today didn't set things up this way. They didn't create the internet, they didn't invent online porn or the smart phone. They inherited this as part of the way the world is."

Shanks says we cannot turn our backs on this issue.

He says the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act needs to be made fit for purpose.

"The fact that it references videos tells you a lot about the act. It's a 1993 piece of legislation that's pre-internet. We can do better than that, we can update it."

LISTEN TO DAVID SHANKS TALK WITH LARRY WILLIAMS ABOVE

 

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