London MP Diane Abbott raps ‘porn culture’ for teen sex findings
14:51 15 December 2011
MP Diane Abbott
Archant
Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott has blasted the ‘pornification’ of popular culture which she says is to blame for high rates of under-age sex among girls.
More than one in four young women first have sex below the age of 16 - a greater proportion than previous generations, according to a NHS health survey.
Today’s report found that one in 10 young people aged 16 to 24 have had 10 or more sexual partners.
However, almost a quarter of all women (24%) have only ever had one sexual partner, compared to 17% of men.
But the figures are worrying, Mrs Abbott said.
“The rising numbers of girls having under-age sex is alarming.
“It is not a cost-free phenomenon. It poses public health policy challenges and social challenges.
“The underlying cause must be the ‘pornification’ of the culture and the increasing sexualisation of pre-adolescent girls.
“Too many young girls are absorbing from the popular culture around them that they only have value as sex objects. Inevitably they act this notion out.”
Government must improve education in schools for both girls and boys, the shadow health minister insisted.
She dismissed as “pointless” abstinence drives similar to that mooted by Tory MP Nadine Dorris.
“I am also concerned that the Government’s health reforms will mean local government taking responsibility for sexual health.
“In economically straitened times this could mean cuts in the services offered and even worse under-age sex figures in the future.”
