'Porn makes kids rape'

Authorities in the UK say hardcore pornography is behind an alarming rise in the number of child rapes in the region.

Criminal convictions for rape by those aged under 17 have almost doubled in England in just four years, according to the latest figures from the British Ministry of Justice.

And experts say vuil sex videos on the internet are to blame for children acting out the violent scenes they view on cellphones or tablets.

Last week, an 11-year-old boy admitted to seven counts of rape and sexual assault on boys under 13 after watching explicit images online.

Magistrates in Sunderland said it was clear online porn had sparked the sex attacks.

And the situation is no better in South Africa, where use of social media and smartphones have seen children producing and sharing pornographic material.

Earlier this year, a 16-year-old girl from Lotus River recorded two friends having sex next to her on a bed, and shared it on Facebook.

The 49-second video was viewed more than

60 000 times.

Many children and adults do not realise the psychological and behavioural effects porn has on children, says Patric Solomons, the director of child rights organisation Molo Songololo.

And the “side effects” of viewing porn, whether soft or hardcore, at a young age can be lifelong.

“If children watch or are made to watch child or adult pornography, it can give them the wrong idea about sex, sexual relations and expectations,” he says.

“It can also manifest specific sexual desires and interests which can have a detrimental impact on them and others.

“Younger children might experience psychological problems, nightmares and even become withdrawn, while others might become sexually extroverted or promiscuous.

“Such exposure might result in poor interpersonal, sexual relations or even abusive and violent sexual relations.”

Solomons urged parents and caregivers to keep a closer watch on children’s internet activity.

“Over the years, Molo Songololo has seen an increase in sex crimes against children where the offenders also recorded the actual offence on their cellphones,” he says.

“Children and teenagers also record themselves and distribute it to others.

“There are also those adults who stalk and seek out children or teens and ask them to take naked and sexual pictures of themselves and send to them.

“Parents and schools must make sure children are regularly made aware of the dangers, what to do when they stumble upon pornography, how to report it and to whom.”