Is it illegal to watch porn if you are under 18?

It is not usually illegal for someone who is under 18 to watch porn on the internet.

It is illegal to show porn to people who are under 18. This means that if a young person is showing another young person a porn video, they could be committing an offence.

It is illegal to watch porn if the people in the video are or appear to be under the age of 18.

Although it is not illegal, viewing porn that is violent or abusive or watching porn to the point of compulsion can cause problems.

Additional information

Technically it is illegal to upload a video of someone having sex online because these videos are usually classified as X18+ (and there is some content that is completely refused classification due to its offensive and violent nature). This means that the Australian Communications and Media Authority can request that it is removed.

Disclaimer: This information is a general guide only. It is not legal advice. For legal advice on a particular situation, contact Legal Aid WA.