In this episode of Care Visions Family Talk, host Lucy Johnston is joined by Mary Sharpe, Chief Executive of The Reward Foundation, for an open and informative conversation about the impact of online pornography on young people’s brains, wellbeing, relationships, and development.

Together they explore why children are being exposed at increasingly young ages, how the adolescent brain responds to highly stimulating online content, and what families, carers, and professionals can do to support young people with understanding rather than fear or judgement. The discussion draws on neuroscience, health research, and real-world experience, offering reassurance and practical insight for anyone navigating this sensitive topic.

This episode is not about blame. It’s about awareness, compassion, and helping young people grow up informed, safe, and supported in a digital world.

🎧 Available now as part of Care Visions Talks on all major podcast platforms.

Resources & Links Mentioned

The Reward Foundation
https://rewardfoundation.org

Your Brain on Porn
https://www.yourbrainonporn.com

Reward Foundation – Parent’s Guide
https://rewardfoundation.org/parents-guide/

Reward Foundation – Healthcare Professionals Course
https://rewardfoundation.org/healthcare-professionals/

Reward Foundation – Schools & Lesson Plans
https://rewardfoundation.org/schools/

Naked Truth Project
https://nakedtruthproject.com

NoFap
https://www.nofap.com

Stop It Now!
https://www.stopitnow.org

World Health Organization – ICD-11
https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/classification-of-diseases

In this episode of Family Talk, Linda de Caestecker is joined by Gael Cochrane, Learning, Development and Innovation Lead at Community Justice Scotland, to explore how pornography and the online “manosphere” are shaping the lives, attitudes and relationships of young people today.

Drawing on the Many Good Men project and years of experience in sexual health, relationships education and justice social work, Gael explains:

• How early and often children are now exposed to pornography
• The links between porn, misogyny, the manosphere and influencers like Andrew Tate
• How violent and extreme content is becoming normalised in teenage relationships
• The impact on self-esteem, body image, consent, intimacy and mental health

Most importantly, Linda and Gael talk about what parents, carers and grandparents can actually do: setting boundaries around devices, using parental controls, opening up honest conversations, supporting boys to express their emotions and helping young people recognise healthy relationships and respect.

This is a frank but hopeful conversation, offering practical ideas to help adults support the children and young people they care about to stay safe, informed and connected.

Poverty, Phones and the Future of Childhood
with host Lucy Johnston and guest Mary Glasgow

In this compelling episode, host Lucy Johnston speaks with Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children 1st, about the urgent challenges shaping modern childhood in Scotland. Together they explore how poverty, the digital world, post-lockdown behaviours, family stress, and community strain are impacting children — and what adults can do to genuinely support them.

Mary offers grounded, real-world insight into why children’s behaviour has shifted, why families feel more overwhelmed than ever, and how strong relationships, early intervention and community-based support can transform children’s futures. This conversation is a clear, compassionate look at what childhood needs now — and how we can build a Scotland where every child feels safe, connected and able to thrive.

A must-listen for carers, parents, social workers, educators and anyone invested in the wellbeing of Scotland’s young people.