February 13, 2025

Buckeye legislator wants to block porn from minors

Freshman Representative Nick Kupper, representing Buckeye in Legislative District 25, wants to "protect our children from pornography online."

House Bill 2112, which has several co-sponsors including House Speaker Steve Montenegro, would implement age-verification requirements for online pornography websites in Arizona.

"This was modeled after Texas’ legislation which has already made it through the 5th circuit & is good law. Our children’s development matters & should not be a partisan issue," Kupper posted on X (formerly Twitter).

This is not the first attempt by Arizona lawmakers to regulate access to online pornography. Last session, House Bill 2586, which would have required adult-themed websites to perform reasonable age-verification methods, was passed by the state legislature. However, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed the bill, expressing concerns over potential privacy issues and the effectiveness of such measures.

State Rep. Nick Kupper

Kupper’s HB2112 builds upon its predecessor, which was introduced in 2024 by then-Representative Tim Dunn, who now serves as Buckeye’s senator from LD 25. The updated HB2112 appears to address issues raised by Hobbs in her veto letter by prohibiting data retention during age verification, requiring public health warnings on websites, and introducing stricter penalties for violations. It also allows private citizens to file lawsuits if the attorney general declines to act, expanding enforcement measures.

While these updates aim to strengthen the bill, whether they fully satisfy Hobbs’ previous objections remains uncertain, especially in a year where she has to win over some Republican support to beef up her re-election chances next year.

Impact of pornography on youth development

Research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies highlights several concerning effects of pornography exposure on children and adolescents. It suggests that such exposure can influence sexual behaviors and attitudes, leading to earlier sexual initiation, normalization of risky practices, and unrealistic expectations about sex and relationships. Additionally, frequent consumption has been linked to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem, as well as reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes and objectification. In some cases, adolescents may develop compulsive pornography use, interfering with their daily lives and responsibilities. While the impacts vary depending on individual factors such as age, gender, and personal values, the findings underscore the need for policies and educational efforts to address the potential harms of pornography exposure.

Additionally, a Jan. 11, 2025 article in Psychology Today highlights the widespread exposure of adolescents to online pornography and its associated risks. Surveys indicate that 71% of teenagers reported intentionally viewing pornography in a single week, with over half encountering violent content such as depictions of rape or physical harm. Adolescents often begin consuming pornography as early as age 12, with some starting as young as 10. Research suggests that frequent exposure can shape unrealistic expectations about relationships, reinforce gender stereotypes, and lead to increased sexual activity, including casual encounters and risky behaviors involving alcohol or drugs. While some teens find pornography educational, its portrayal of aggression and power dynamics can negatively influence mental health and intimate relationships. Experts emphasize the importance of open conversations between parents and adolescents, highlighting that pornography is scripted and not reflective of real-life intimacy. Public health researchers also recommend that primary care physicians address pornography's long-term impacts with adolescent patients to mitigate its potential harms..

Arizona's legislative efforts align with a broader national movement. As of mid-2024, several states, including Texas, Louisiana, and Virginia, have enacted laws requiring stricter age verification for pornographic websites. These measures aim to protect minors from exposure to explicit content online.

Rep. Kupper's bill will undergo committee review before potentially advancing to the full legislature for consideration. Given the previous veto by Governor Hobbs, the bill's prospects remain uncertain. Supporters argue that it is a necessary step to safeguard children's development, while opponents raise concerns about privacy and the implementation of such measures.

As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders on both sides are expected to engage in robust debate over the best approach to protect minors from online pornography while balancing concerns over privacy and internet freedoms.

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