Episode 4

Porn In Schools: How to talk, teach and take action

Pornography consumption is no longer a private, invisible issue - it’s showing up in our schools, shaping how students see themselves, each other, and their relationships. But here’s the truth: schools aren’t powerless. In fact, they’re uniquely positioned to be part of the solution.

In this episode, Colm Gannon, CEO of ICMEC Australia, shares how porn is subtly reshaping student wellbeing and peer relationships, particularly around consent, respect, and gender expectations. It’s a complex issue, but Colm offers clear, practical strategies schools can start using right away.

Episode details

Transcript download
Run time:
33 mins
Host: Yasmin London
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Episode takeaways

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How to turn pop culture into a powerful teaching tool

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Why Colm recommends “slight persuasion” strategies build trust and open up space

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Practical, ready-to-use approaches

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How to help students critically examine relationships, consent, and media messaging

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How to support student wellbeing and challenge harmful online influences

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Tip on conversations around porn, respect, and identity - especially in classrooms where these topics feel hard to approach.

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“Reviewing those resources even before you sit down, before you deal with the complaint or deal with the disclosure, allows you to have an empathetic response to that young person coming forward.”

Colm Gannon

CEO, ICMEC Australia

Spotlight : Episode 4

Our Guest - Meet Colm

Colm Gannon is a globally respected leader in child digital safety, bringing together two decades of frontline law enforcement experience with deep technical expertise in cyber safety and AI. He has led national and international investigations into child sexual exploitation, online harms, and violent extremism, and has worked extensively across the APAC, US, and EU Financial Coalitions Against Child Sexual Exploitation.

As a former Product Manager with Rigr AI, Colm played a pivotal role in software development and policy design around child protection, privacy, and ethical AI. His 14+ years with the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children have positioned him at the forefront of global collaboration in safeguarding. Now leading ICMEC Australia, Colm is perfectly placed to help schools navigate the complex intersection of technology, safety, and student wellbeing with insight, credibility, and practical experience.

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