Andrew Yang says that “rampant access to pornography is a real problem” for young kids.

Democratic candidate Andrew Yang randomly tweeted concern about the “rampant” access to pornography that kids currently have. As of October 7th, 2019, the polling average indicates that Andrew Yang is in 6th place, placing him ahead of both Beto O’Rourke and Corey Booker (according to Real Clear Politics). While we do not endorse candidates, political parties, or legislation, a major US presidential candidate discussing this is undeniably a pretty huge deal!

As a parent of young kids I believe rampant access to pornography is a real problem. We need to empower families to be able to moderate what our kids see and when.

— Andrew Yang🧢 (@AndrewYang) September 20, 2019

Just 11 minutes later, we responded on Twitter.

It's great to see a presidential candidate brave enough to say this publicly!

Porn isn't a partisan issue.

Thinking that kids shouldn't be regularly using hardcore porn before their first date or first kiss isn't "anti-porn."

It's common sense.

Parents, wake up!

— NoFap (@NoFap) September 20, 2019

Andrew Yang’s tweet garnered a relatively massive 8,200 responses, 4,200 retweets, and 34,900 likes as of October 7th, 2019. The #YangGang (a popular nickname for supporters of Yang) and Twitter users as a whole seemed rather split on the issue, although from our qualitative glance-over, it seemed like most responses were pro-porn. Maybe someone should let them know about some of the current research proving problems related to compulsive porn use, especially among those who have access to unlimited Internet porn from a young age.

People who criticized Andrew Yang’s tweet:

pic.twitter.com/zrUn7oEuGT

— God (@thegoodgodabove) September 21, 2019

shut the fuck up

— Stavros Halkias (@stavvybaby) September 21, 2019

Porn isn't the problem. Access to porn isn't the problem. Lack of developmentally appropriate sexual health education at all ages so that young people understand that porn is *fantasy* for consenting adults is the problem.

— Jack-O-Lanterns 4 UBI (@Women4UBI) September 21, 2019

It's called parenting pic.twitter.com/k0TQqjW7Fs

— Ricky Berwick (@rickyberwick) September 21, 2019

The Yang Gang is not going to like this

— Yusuf (@yusufneedsarest) September 21, 2019

People supportive of Andrew Yang’s tweet:

Hey everyone…. CALM DOWN… You can be body-positive, sex-positive and still be responsible parents and guide your kids to be responsible with their internet usage.
It is OK to recognize that the internet has a lot of holes in it, and it's up to us as parents to pay attention

— YangGangHub🧢 (@yangganghub) September 21, 2019

I used to make adult movies and 100% agree with this. Yang isn’t trying to take porn away. He is saying families need to be able to moderate. This isn’t news. Calm down folks.

— Mia Rose ♛ (@miarosexxx) September 21, 2019

Andrew Yang: “I believe it should be harder for young children, such as my own 4 and 6 year old to access online pornography, although this isn’t a policy but my opinion.”
Comments: “Andrew Yang just killed his presidency, he wants to COMPLETLY BAN PORN, smh campaign ended.”

— Andrew Yang Stan Account 🧢 (@AndrewYangStan1) September 21, 2019

It is unclear whether or not Andrew Yang wants to pursue legislation such as mandatory ISP-level filters (with a corresponding opt-in system) or including “porn education” in public school sex education programs. Regardless of whether or not he simply wants to raise awareness about porn addiction for people to privately pursue solutions, or supports governmental legislation to address it, he most certainly doesn’t want to “TAKE AWAY THE PORN” from consenting adults who choose to create or consume it (Yang supports decriminalizing the personal use of opiates).

Again, while NoFap is thrilled to see a presidential candidate speak up about this issue, this isn’t an endorsement of Andrew Yang. We focus on recovery and it isn’t within the purview of our work to endorse political candidates. NoFap is a non-partisan, non-legislative website that helps its users overcome porn addiction. Learn more about us on the About page.