Shyla Welch

Numerous studies have concluded that exposure to pornography negatively affects the attitudes and behaviors of adults. In the following viewpoint, Shyla Welch argues that allowing children to be exposed to pornography over the Internet threatens society’s future. She maintains that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that regulating some types of speech, such as obscene speech, does not violate the First Amendment. Therefore, Welch contends, indecent material on the Internet should be regulated to protect the best interests of children and society. Welch is the communications officer of Enough Is Enough!, an antipornography organization based in Fairfax, Virginia.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the author, why does no quantitative research exist showing how pornography affects children"
2. Why are children particularly vulnerable to exploitation on the...