Most parents would NEVER expose their children to pornography, but the rising danger of early exposure has become a concern for many parents. If your child has access to a phone (or has a friend who has a phone), it is likely they will be exposed to pornography. For young children under the age of 7 or 8, differentiating between what is real and what is on screen can be incredibly difficult. This cognitive confusion can lead to problematic sexualized behaviors, which may manifest as difficulties with impulse control and social interactions.1
Increased and ongoing exposure to pornography can desensitize children to its content, leading them to seek more explicit material over time. This escalating behavior can make it harder for them to form healthy, real-life sexual relationships and can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and emotional disturbance. Addiction often develops when changes in the brain and body lead a person to feel compelled to continue using a substance or engaging in an activity, even when doing so may cause harm. These substances or behaviors trigger the brain’s reward system, activating the dopamine pathways and creating a cycle that is hard to break.1
With the internet now being an integral part of everyday life, pornography is more accessible to young people than ever before. In fact, 93% of boys and 63% of girls report being exposed to online pornography before the age of 18, with the average age of first exposure at 12 years old. Early exposure to pornography is linked to numerous negative developmental outcomes, including a greater acceptance of sexual harassment, earlier sexual activity, the adoption of harmful gender stereotypes, body dissatisfaction, and a skewed understanding of healthy relationships.1
Parents, teachers, and caregivers have a vital role to play in safeguarding children from exposure to pornography. By installing filtering software on devices and monitoring internet usage, parents can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidental exposure. Additionally, by engaging in open conversations about the potential dangers of pornography, parents can help children navigate the complexities of sexual information they may encounter online.1
When children begin using the internet independently, it is important to talk to them about the potential for encountering disturbing or inappropriate content. By setting the expectation that they can always talk to you about anything they see online, parents create a safe space for open dialogue. It’s also crucial to assure them that they won’t get in trouble for simply coming to you with their concerns.1
Parents, educators, and policymakers all have an important role to play in ensuring that children grow up in a safe, supportive environment where they can develop healthy relationships and a positive sense of self. If you are interested in becoming a member and gaining access to our Resource Center ($10/month or $99/annually), visit https://advocatefortheinnocent.org/memberships/ to learn more.
1 – https://ifstudies.org/blog/what-happens-when-children-are-exposed-to-pornography