Talking About Online Sexualisation, Pornography, and Relationships in Christian Schools
The question is not if Christian schools should address pornography, but how. With the internet, mobile devices, and AI making sexualised content widely accessible, avoiding the issue leaves students unprepared.
Research shows that most Australian students encounter pornography before the age of 12. By mid‑high school, around 70 percent of boys and 20 percent of girls view it regularly. Since the arrival of smartphones, sexualised behaviour and mental health struggles among young people have both increased.
Christian schools play a vital role in equipping students to make wise decisions, build resilience, and resist the harms of pornography. They must help students navigate today’s sexualised culture while also addressing related areas such as identity, online influence, sexting, AI, respectful relationships, consent, and ethical online behaviour.
A Coordinated, Age‑Appropriate Approach
Students achieve the best outcomes when pornography education is coordinated, age‑appropriate, and evidence-based. Schools should implement a whole‑school strategy involving chaplains, pastoral care staff, PDHPE teachers, parents, and peer networks working together to present a consistent message.
This begins in the early years through teaching protective behaviours, communication skills, and healthy relationships, and continues into the teenage years through media literacy, critical thinking, and biblically grounded sex education.
A comprehensive approach prepares students not only to resist pornography but also to understand relationships from a Christian worldview that values self‑control, respect, and personal integrity.
Recommended Programs and Resources
DigiHelp
DigiHelp provides school-based programs for ages 10–16 to help students navigate the online world and reduce harms caused by pornography and social media.
Developed from academic research and field experience, DigiHelp is interactive and inclusive, involving both parents and peers in learning. It covers the following key topics:
- How sexualised media shapes individuals, relationships, and society
- Self-promotion and online identity on social media
- Reducing the negative effects of pornography exposure
- Legal responsibilities and safe online conduct
- Respectful and consensual relationships
- AI, pornography, and critical digital thinking
DigiHelp builds resilience, encourages healthier relationships, and promotes positive online behaviour in line with Christian values.
Curriculum Resources
Teen Sex by the Book (Years 9–12)
Based on Patricia Weerakoon’s acclaimed book, Teen Sex by the Book helps students understand how living God’s countercultural design leads to healthy, pleasurable sex and lifelong intimacy within marriage.
Other resources by Patricia Weerakoon include:
- Growing Up by the Book (Years 5–8)
- Birds and Bees by the Book (Years 2–4)
- The Best Sex for Life (Adults)
Together, these titles support a complete developmental framework for Christian schools.
Student Seminars
Marshall Ballantine‑Jones
Marshall Ballantine‑Jones is a leading expert in online sexualisation education, with more than 25 years’ experience working with children, families, and schools. As CEO of DigiHelp Publishing, he develops practical education strategies addressing online behaviour and exposure to sexualised content.
Marshall holds a PhD in adolescent health from Sydney University, focusing on effective responses to pornography and social media harms. His expertise equips school leaders with the tools to navigate the challenges of online culture and build safe, biblically informed learning environments.
Melinda Tankard Reist
Melinda Tankard Reist is a respected writer, speaker, and advocate for cultural change. Her school seminars and workshops equip students, staff, and parents to resist pornography’s influence and promote respectful, countercultural values that affirm dignity and authentic relationships.