Amelia Delgado, a 21-year-old actress from East London, is speaking out about her early encounters with pornography. She first stumbled upon adult content at the tender age of eight, while using her laptop for schoolwork. Intrigued by a pop-up on a pirate site, she inadvertently clicked into a world she wasn't prepared for. "I watched it a lot, including the really hardcore stuff," Amelia admits, reflecting on her childhood fascination.
Her story is not unique. Recent findings from the UK Children's Commissioner reveal that 70% of respondents reported seeing pornography before they turned 18, with a quarter having been exposed by age 11. This marks a significant rise from previous years, highlighting an alarming trend of early exposure driven in part by social media.
"Porn can be a healthy tool in a relationship and I still watch it now from time to time with my partner to get us in the mood. But there is caution needed. And absolutely no child should be exposed to it - your mind is still developing," Amelia emphasizes.
By age 13, Amelia was introduced to adult content again, this time by a boyfriend, which profoundly affected her self-image and perceptions of intimacy. "He'd tell me to watch 'deflowering' videos, women losing their virginity, so I could understand the pain I would feel," she recalls. This early exposure led her to question her body and liken herself to the unrealistic standards set by adult film performers.
Her teenage years also brought a pregnancy scare, which she navigated with the support of her family. Choosing to terminate the pregnancy, Amelia reflects on how her family's understanding helped her through that difficult time.
Amelia's journey took a positive turn in 2022 when she met her current boyfriend, Connor, a children's sports coach. "With previous partners, sex was something you just 'had' to do. But in my relationship now, it's something we do because we love each other," she shares.
Her relationship with Connor has been a healing experience, allowing her to embrace her true self and enjoy intimacy without the pressure of performing. "It's nice to be in a relationship where I feel comfortable enough in my own skin, to be vulnerable, rather than feeling self-conscious," she says.
Amelia hopes to inspire more women to discuss the impact of pornography on their lives. "I'm speaking out for women everywhere," she states, advocating for open conversations on a topic often dominated by male perspectives.
Experts like Emma Motherwell from the NSPCC and Cat Etherington from Naked Truth emphasize the importance of parental awareness and communication regarding children's online activity. They warn that early exposure to porn can lead to unrealistic expectations and potentially harmful behaviors.
Through her involvement in LADbible's For F**k's Sake campaign, Amelia aims to bridge the gap between pornography and real-life intimacy, supporting young adults in developing a healthier understanding of sex.