NT’s interest in online porn part of global problem

TERRITORIANS are watching a lot of porn for extended periods, changing how they view sex and communicate, according to a Darwin expert.

Statistics from PornHub show the average Territorian accesses the site for 10 minutes and 28 seconds – 24 seconds longer than the national average. That being said, NT makes up just 0.2 per cent of Australia’s traffic on the site.

Darwin sex therapist Nina Booysen said “problem porn behaviour” was a global issue.

“I wouldn’t say it is specific to the NT but there certainly are unique circumstances where porn use seems to be more common and in for longer periods of time,” Ms Booysen said.

“There is a larger proportion of the population who are involved in shift work, FIFO work and remote living lifestyle.

“I don’t believe that overall Territorians are watching more porn than other states but I do believe that in conjunction with relationship issues such as working away and alcohol abuse we see the downfall of many relationships.”

To protect Territory kids from overexposure, Ms Booys- en wants the NT Government to introduce legislation similar to the UK’s new Digital Economy Bill, which creates civil penalties for online pornographers who do not verify the age of their customers.

NT attorney-general and justice minister Natasha Fyles said she had not been ap- proached about the subject – but invited Territorians to get in touch if it was something that worried them.

“While legislation such as this would need to happen at a federal level, we haven’t been approached by individuals or groups on this specific issue.”