Patients concerned that they are addicted to pornography should speak to their GP, according to the Government’s minister for internet safety and security Baroness Shields.
In a House of Lords debate on Thursday discussing ‘the impact of pornography on society’, the Bishop of Chester Dr Peter Forster said he had ‘come across addiction to pornography as a factor in individual marriage breakdown’ and called on the Government to take a harder stance on pornography.
Responding, under-secretary of state for culture, media, and sport, Baroness Shields, said: ‘Regarding questions on porn addiction, the relationship counselling service Relate considers that porn addiction is a form of sex addiction.
‘Support is available. It may not be enough but anyone who is concerned that they may be suffering from addiction to pornography can speak to their GP.’
Bishop Foster made clear that his ‘first-hand knowledge of pornography is very limited’.
