In a world where digital exposure is unavoidable, many children encounter adult content long before they're ready for it. Amelia Delgado, an actor from South Woodford, East London, was just eight years old when she accidentally stumbled upon hardcore pornography while browsing a pirate website. Her unintended discovery quickly turned into a daily habit, leaving a lasting impact on her understanding of intimacy and self-image.
Amelia revealed that her initial encounter with porn seemed exciting and new, admitting, "It felt good, and was new and exciting. I didn't know it was wrong." Her revelation to her sister, followed by her parents' intervention, didn't immediately end her curiosity. By age 13, a boyfriend further reintroduced her to adult content, leading to a premature exploration of her sexuality.
Delgado's teenage years were marked by struggles with body image, self-esteem, and intimacy. "I struggled with my weight and would think, 'why don't I look like the girls I saw [in the pornographic films]?'" she confided. Her dissatisfaction with her appearance affected her confidence, influencing her relationships and decisions.
"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."
At 15, Amelia faced an unplanned pregnancy, but found solace in her family's support during the termination process. Now at 21, her relationship with her current boyfriend, Connor, has been transformative. She describes their bond as "healing," allowing her to embrace vulnerability and enjoy intimacy in a positive light.
Amelia is determined to turn her experiences into a force for change. "I'm speaking out for women everywhere. Often it's only men who talk about porn and sex. Women don't feel brave enough to talk about it - that needs to change," she asserts.
Her involvement in LADbible's For F**k's Sake campaign, alongside organizations like Fumble, Movember, and Pivotal, underscores her commitment to bridging the gap between pornography and real-life sex education for young adults. With experts like Emma Motherwell and Cat Etherington emphasizing the importance of open dialogues and awareness, Amelia's story seeks to inspire more conversations about safeguarding young minds from unsuitable content.