THE Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner has backed a new campaign providing advice for teenagers about pornography.

The Childline FAPZ - Fight Against Porn Zombies - campaign was launched by the NSPCC after a shock poll found one in ten 12-13 year olds feared they were addicted to pornography.

The scheme is based around a series of animations, designed by young people themselves, which explain the harmful effects of overexposure to pornography for both boys and girls.

Dorset PCC Martyn Underhill said it was "vital" young people were educated about the "dangers" of pornography and their wider use of the internet.

"Children of all ages have easy access to a wide range of material and unless we talk about the issue, we are failing thousands of young people," he said.

"Protecting vulnerable people from serious threats is a key area of our Police and Crime Plan, and we must ensure young people learn about safe sex, healthy relationships, respect and consent."

The Childline poll gathered responses from around 700 12-13 year olds in the UK and one in five said they had seen images which had shocked or upset them, while 12 per cent of those surveyed admitted to making or having been part of a sexually explicit video.

The charity's director, Peter Liver, said: "Across society, we need to remove the embarrassment and shame that exists around talking about porn - which is why we are launching this activity and helping young people to make more informed choices."

He said the scheme would fit alongside government plans for children aged 11 and up to be taught about rape and sexual consent as part of sex education.

Any young person who has a question or concern is encouraged to visit www.childline.org.uk/fapz or to contact ChildLine on 0800 1111 where counsellors are available 24/7 to provide free, confidential support.