Youth exposure to pornographic material is increasing at an alarming rate. As the Courier Mail reported in 2016 [1], an alarming number of 11 and 12-year-old boys were calling into Australia’s public phone counseling service, asking for help about their possible addiction to pornography.
Though studies show that increased curiosity about sexuality and exposure to pornography are not necessarily correlated [2], exposure to pornography can cause a rift in families without prior communication of sexuality. More alarming than that, children who are not introduced to age-appropriate material on sex and sexuality can form a more negative relationship with sex, using porn as a dangerous sex educator. [3]
“Exposure to pornography helps to sustain young people’s adherence to sexist and unhealthy notions of sex and relationships. And, especially among boys and young men who are frequent consumers of pornography, including of more violent materials, consumption intensifies attitudes supportive of sexual coercion and increases their likelihood of perpetrating assault.” – Michael Flood [3]
Is Porn Dangerous?
Similar to other addictive substances and behaviors, porn releases dopamine. Without proper education, it is not unlikely for youth to look to pornography to satisfy their curiosity on taboo subjects. Though curiosity in children at any age is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about, unfortunately, exposure to intense material can lead to negative habit development. Young teens and even older children are just as subject to addictive behaviors as adults are.
Can Porn Teach About Sex?
Besides the dangers of addiction, exposure to porn as a child’s sole source of sexual education can lead to unrealistic expectations of sex, and even dangerous behavior in the future. Like any other carefully curated and marketed material on the internet, porn is a production. It’s made to look perfect, and as producers compete to out-do each other for the most views (and ultimately, the most money), a vulnerable viewer’s ideas of healthy sex can get warped over time. It is no replacement for real sexual education.
“…they tend to believe that what they see in porn is normal and acceptable, even as their tastes in porn grow more extreme over time.” [4]
“Research shows that porn users report less love and trust in their relationships, are more prone to separation and divorce, and often see marriage as a ‘constraint.’ Overall, they are less committed to their partners, less satisfied in their relationships and more cynical about love and relationships in general. They also have poorer communication with their partners and are more likely to agree that, in their own relationships, ‘little arguments escalate into ugly fights with accusations, criticisms, name-calling, and bringing up past hurts.'” [5]
How Do I Know My Child’s Internet Habits Are Safe?
In spite of these concerns, it is completely possible to ensure your child or young teen has a healthy relationship with sex. It may not be possible to curate everything your child comes across on the internet, but being open with your children can lead to the development of healthier mindsets on a variety of topics. It can start with something as simple as opening a window of communication. Being willing to listen to your child’s questions and concerns without judgment is essential. Curiosity is normal and expected, however, making sure your child has access to age-appropriate forms of education can be the difference between a confusing, shame-filled relationship with sex, and a healthy one.
Article written by Brooke Smoke, blogger for Safe Harbor International Ministries
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