Hi there and thanks for getting in contact with us.

Only you can decide whether you should watch porn and if so, how much. I guess the other question also is how much is too much?

You'll be pleased to know that a preoccupation with pornography isn't at all unusual in teenage guys, or, for that matter, in many men. Research suggests that more boys than girls look for sexually explicit websites, and also that this behaviour increases with age through the teen years. However, the most obvious thing to point out is that the sex you see on porn sites doesn't match with what most adults experience in the bedroom. You need to understand that what you see in porn isn't real. The people are acting out a sex scene, there are lights, cameras and action, and they are paid to look like they are having a good time. Plus the penis, vaginas etc., have often been airbrushed, pubic hair has been trimmed or removed, and many people's genitals are just not like that in reality.

Have you seen the movie Love Actually? One of the stories in the movie clearly shows the reality of how porn is made and is very funny.

However, if staying up all late or all night to watch porn means you are tired and cranky the next day, unable to focus and concentrate, or are falling behind in school work or even skipping school etc. cos you are tired, then no, I would suggest that it is not a good idea for you to stay up and watch it because it is interfering in your daily life. If you are constantly thinking about porn and what you have seen and are becoming obsessive about watching it, then yes, this could be a problem also. If either of these situations apply to you, you may to talk to an adult you can trust (maybe a teacher, school nurse or youth worker) who will be able to support you.

As I said at the beginning, only you can make an informed and educated (hopefully) choice about whether to watch porn or not. Remember too, that if you are already or planning to have sex at some point in your life, use a condom every time to protect yourself and your partner from unplanned pregnancy and STIs.