Protect your children from pornography

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Pornography is rampant on the Internet today.  It has become so prevalent that searches on innocent words often will reveal pornographic images in the results.  In fact, pornographers are specifically targeting children by luring them into pornographic sites using search terms used by children.

When a child or adolescent is directly exposed to pornography the following effects have been documented:

1. Lasting negative or traumatic emotional responses.
2. Earlier onset of first sexual intercourse, thereby increasing the risk of STD’s over the lifespan.
3. The belief that superior sexual satisfaction is attainable without having affection for one’s partner, thereby reinforcing the commoditization of sex and the objectification of humans.
4. The belief that being married or having a family are unattractive prospects.
5. Increased risk for developing sexual compulsions and addictive behavior.
6. Increased risk of exposure to incorrect information about human sexuality long before a minor is able to contextualize this information in ways an adult brain could. 1

In addition,  a study of youth between the ages of 10 and 17 concluded that there is a significant relationship between frequent porn use and feelings of loneliness and major depression. 2

If these negative effects were not enough, children can also become addicted to pornography.  This addiction has different stages described below: 3

Early exposure – Usually this begins at an early age and starts with material deemed to be soft-core, which serves as a gateway to more graphic material later on.

Addiction – After repeated exposure to pornography, addiction sets in as the person continues to view the material. It becomes a regular part of the person’s life.

Escalation – The person eventually find that previous material doesn’t provide the same level of excitement. They increasingly need more and more graphic material to kindle the excitement. Material that was previously deemed disgusting is now viewed with more frequency.

Desensitization – After a while, even the most graphic material doesn’t produce the same feelings as the person become numb. Often the person will become desperate to achieve that same thrill.

Acting out sexually – At this point the person makes the jump from pornographic material and attempts to recreate their fantasies in real life.

Unfortunately, there is not one specific technology or solution that completely blocks pornography.  Parents need a multi-layered approach that covers all avenues by which pornography can creep into your home.

Purchase your copy of Keep Your Family Safe Online today so you can learn how to protect your kids from dangers associated with pornography.

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1. Jill Manning. Testimony: U.S Senate Committee on the Judiciary, 10 Nov. 2005. “Why the Government Should Care about Pornography.” Web. 3 Dec. 2009. <http://www.bing.com/search?q=Jill+manning+research+sociologist+byu+pornography+full+maturity+upper+limits&go=&form =QBLH&qs=n>.

2. Michele L. Ybarra and Kimberly J. Mitchell. “Exposure to Internet Pornography among Children and Adolescents: A National Survey,” CyberPsychology & Behavior, 8, 2005, Pgs. 473-86, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Web. 11 Dec. 2009. <http://www.unh.edu/ccrc/pdf/jvq/CV76.pdf>.

3. Gene McConnell, Keith Cambell, “The Stages of Pornography Addiction,”, Focus On The Family n.d., http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/divorce_and_infidelity/pornography_and_virtual_infidelity/stages_of_porn_addiction.aspx