Labour MP Ramona Attard has raised serious concerns about the growing influence of violent pornography on children and women.

Speaking during a committee session after being appointed to the Equality Committee at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Attard noted that pornography has become the main source of sex education for children — a fact she described as shocking.

She warned that much of this content involves violence and portrays non-consensual acts, such as strangulation, making harmful behaviours seem normal.

“This sends a dangerous message to children that sex does not require consent,” she said, warning of the long-term psychological and social effects, especially on young people and women.

She also highlighted how the widespread use of smartphones and tablets has made such content more accessible than ever, with studies showing 95% of people under 20 exposed to pornography.

Attard also expressed concern about AI being used to create fake, compromising images using stolen identities — including those of children.

In Malta, she noted that police recently participated in “Operation Stream,” a global effort that led to the arrest of two individuals for child pornography offences.

While welcoming enforcement and legal reforms, Attard stressed the need for continued sex education in schools and open conversations at home. “We must prioritise consent, healthy relationships, and body image — and stop treating sex as a taboo topic.”

#MaltaDaily