Documentary filmmaker Jared Brock wants to raise awareness about the growing number of young children addicted to pornography.
He created the documentary Over 18, which talks to porn stars, parents and addicts, including a 13-year-old boy named Joseph who says his addiction began at age nine.
“Ten-year-old kids have never known a world without Internet access to porn thanks to a cellphone in their pocket,” said Brock.
He said once children get addicted to pornography, it leads to all sorts of complications for them down the road when they try to develop intimate relationships.
Reactions from parents have been intense, said Brock.
“Basically parents have been picking their jaws off the ground,” he said.
Brock said he wants to raise awareness and also increase pressure on the government to create more meaningful age verifications for porn sites. He said currently the sites only ask the question: Are you over 18? It simply takes a click on yes to continue to the site.
Brock is pushing for Motion 47, which asks parliament to study the effects of pornography on public health.
Brock has appeared on shows such as 100 Huntley Street and the 700 Club. Over 18 is his third documentary, created through Hope for the Sold, an abolitionist charity that fights against exploitation.
Over 18 is being screened in Nanaimo on Sunday (Nov. 13) at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, located at 1650 Waddington Rd.
There will be a Q-and-A after the screening with Brock.
For more information about the film please go to www.over18doc.com.