Erotic media content or even porn is actually not for children and teenagers. But because they are curious and want to test their limits, internet offers for adults, such as OnlyFans, can be exciting from a young age.
Users can view photos and videos from other users on the OnlyFans website. Among them are also erotic and pornographic contents, which, however, are shown only after payment.
Unlike other social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram, OnlyFans is not financed by advertising. Instead, users pay a monthly subscription fee or a one-off pay-per-view fee for content from individual providers (so-called creators) – this could be videos, photos or music. The idea is that creators respond to the wishes of their fans and also reveal personal things. Sexual content on the site does not violate the terms of use and money can be earned with revealing performances.
From lifestyle and fashion to entertainment – the platform offers content of all kinds. German celebrities have also discovered OnlyFans as a source of income. Stars such as singer Bill Kaulitz, rapper Fler and actress Anne Wünsche offer paid subscriptions on the platform. Stars and influencers advertise their paid OnlyFans content via their YouTube or Instagram channels. For young fans, this can lead to the desire to become active on the platform so that they don’t miss anything.
Although the site can be used officially only from 18 years, registration is possible without age verification. Only those who want to share content themselves must prove that they are of legal age. Children and young people can therefore register on OnlyFans, follow other users and even write private messages. They can only use the paid area if they have access to a credit card.
OnlyFans is for adult entertainment. There is also harmless content there. But the proximity to erotic and pornographic content makes it possible for children and young people to come into contact with content that is unsuitable for them. There are also sites circulating on the Internet that allegedly allow users to access OnlyFans’ paid content without paying or using a credit card.
On platforms such as OnlyFans, digital sex work is often shown as normal or even desirable. This can give children and young people the impression that showing themselves sexy or naked on the internet is not a problem. This can be dangerous: When the inhibition threshold drops, young people often no longer recognize sexual assault as such. Perpetrators can take advantage of this and try to sexually harass minors. In addition, a lot of this content shows a one-sided and stereotypical role model: women are often only supposed to be beautiful and please men – this shapes young people’s thinking.
Talk openly with your child about which social media platforms they are on and what they are doing there. They may come across content that is not yet suitable for their age, such as OnlyFans. Address the dangers and risks and explain factually why such sites are unsuitable.
Talk to your child about topics such as sexuality, self-image on the internet and how to deal with contact from strangers. Encourage your child to get help immediately if they receive unpleasant messages or contact attempts. Question content in the media together: Why is a certain image of women or men shown – and who actually benefits from this?
Older teenagers in particular want to learn about their sexuality and use erotic content from the Internet to do so. This is quite natural, but can also lead to problems. Read more in our article “Help, my child watches porn!“. If your child has already come into contact with erotic or pornographic content on the site, you should also discuss this together. Allow your child to ask questions or tell you if they are overwhelmed.
If you feel that you cannot help your child at home, do not be afraid to seek professional help, for example via digital counseling services. School psychologists can be a point of contact. The helpline Nummer-gegen-Kummer also offers a wide range of advice for children, young people and parents.
