As a new school year approaches, children, teens, and young adults will encounter a plethora of choices and challenging decisions. With the widespread availability of cell phones and computers, accessing online content, including inappropriate material, is easier than ever. So, how can we protect our children of all ages from harmful materials that can affect their well-being and future relationships?

While an addiction to explicit content is not a medical diagnosis, many would cite the negative financial, relational, and self-esteem consequences that stem from an industry that often does not reflect healthy, consensual, and respectful interactions. Repeated exposure to unrealistic images and behaviors can negatively impact one's sense of normalcy now and in the future.

When children use home computers, parental control apps such as Bark or Aura can be installed on their devices to restrict access to inappropriate websites. However, tech-savvy individuals, even young ones, can sometimes bypass these controls, or accidently wander into pornographic sites. Additionally, there are numerous books and websites designed to address these concerns. Research suggests that the most effective approach involves frequent, honest, and direct conversations about the negative aspects of explicit content, and the anxiety, depression, and stress often associated with such an addiction.

Being a parent in 2024 is challenging; being a young person navigating issues that may conflict with their religious values, parental advice, and peer pressures is even harder. At the very least, let's offer our prayers and support to all involved. 

Resources:

Addictionhelp.com

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrOrs6lz21mjwUJPIFXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1719682213/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.addictionhelp.com%2f/RK=2/RS=QnCrf0.ApfONEMuTAtfnXzHCmSM.

Pornography Use Among Young Adults in the U.S.:

https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/pornography-use-among-young-adults-in-the-united-states

New Report Reveals Truths About How Teens Engage with Pornography:

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-report-reveals-truths-about-how-teens-engage-with-pornography-301717607.html.