Michigan school board seeks to warn 6th graders on dangers of porn before it’s ‘too late’

February 7, 2025

A Michigan school board has considered adding a lesson to their sixth grade curriculum on the dangers of pornography.

The Christian Post reports that Portage Public Schools currently teaches the lesson to ninth graders in a Health and Human Development course, but is contemplating moving the lesson to the sixth grade.

Michelle Karpinski, the community relations manager for Portage Public Schools, says the lesson may have greater impact on younger students than on high schoolers by reaching them before it’s too late.

Karpinski told the Christian Post, “Most sixth graders have their own cell phones and can unintentionally access inappropriate content. With exposure to platforms like TikTok and YouTube, etc. students encounter a wide range of relationship models — some of which are unhealthy. Avoiding these topics can create confusion and shame, so we believe it is essential for trained adults to provide clear, factual guidance to help students navigate digital spaces safely.”

Karpinski clarified, “To be clear, this lesson does not show pornography,” Karpinski added. “It focuses on what students should do if they encounter inappropriate content.”

According to the Kalamazoo Gazette/MLive, parents within the district were given the opportunity to view slides related to the lesson at 3 school board meetings with some changes being made based on parental feedback.

The changes discussed during the January school board meeting will be up for a voter at a later time.

The Christian Post reports that protecting minors from pornography and the impact of porn on young people continues to be a topic of discussion as states pass age verification laws.

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