Alert! Is your child at risk of watching porn online? Research shows that it’s becoming increasingly easier for kids to access this type of content. But did you know that it can have serious consequences for their mental health?
In this article, we explore the top 6 effects of watching porn on kids and why it’s harmful to their development. From a distorted perception of safe sex to increased risk of dangerous behavior, it’s important to understand the impact of porn on our children.
Parents, don’t panic! We also give you tips on how to talk to your kids about the dangers of porn and how to limit their exposure to it. It’s important to approach this conversation with an open mind and listen to what your child has to say!
6 Effects of watching porn on adolescents: why is watching porn harmful to children?
So why watching porn is harmful, read the text below can help parents answer this question:
Wrong perception about safe sex
Regularly watching porn has been shown to motivate teenagers to have uncertainty about aspects of sex, such as what is safe sex.
The formation of sexual beliefs and values is negatively impacted when your child becomes more willing to have a permissive attitude toward having unsafe sex.
Risks of having sex with a teenager (9-15 years old)
In a cross-sectional study of 710 Norwegian youth between the ages of 18 and 19, 19.1% of men indicated that the likelihood of having sex with a 13 to 14-year-old was associated with a high frequency of watching sex and has many friends who are interested in child pornography and violent pornography.
It is illegal to have sex with a teenager (under the age of 18).
Sexting
Sexting – is the sending, receiving or forwarding of pornographic content or pornographic messages via text message or email.
A survey of 4,564 teenagers aged 14–17 years in five European countries found that watching pornography on the Internet was significantly associated with an increased probability of sending sexual texts and pictures (sexting) in male students.
Sophia Ankel, 23, of London said she was “totally insulted” after sexually explicit images of her were spread around her school.
One mistake is that many parents assume that sex is harmless because, in reality, no sex happens. However, sexting is a form of sexual intercourse – sending, receiving and transmitting nudity photos, messages, videos, pornography such as nudity, sexual behavior or sexual emojis.
High risk of committing another offense
Teenagers who have signs of watching too much porn are more likely to lie, steal, truant, frequently cheat/manipulate others, engage in arson, engage in forced sexual acts and conduct such as verbal aggression or using tools to express sexually aggressive comments. Finally, there is the risk of having sex with animals.
Other research has also demonstrated an association between the consumption of pornography and juvenile delinquency.
A prime example is Nathan Matthews. This guy killed his stepmother’s stepdaughter in a horrible way like in a horror movie. According to the investigation, Matthews is an extremely violent sex addict.
Source: thescottishsun.co.uk
Matthews was sentenced to life in prison, with at least 33 years serving. Police believe that the murderer’s motive is partly due to being too haunted by porn with extreme violent content.
Other risky sexual behaviors
Access to pornography on the Internet is associated with increased sexual activity at a younger age and is more likely to engage in sexual acts. There are dangers, such as having sex with multiple sex partners, anal sex, group sex and using stimulants during sexual intercourse.
A recent UK survey found that 44% of 11–16 male adolescents who have viewed pornography report that online porn has given them “violent” ideas about the kind of sex they want to try
Loneliness and other negative psychological effects
The results of a study show that the link between loneliness and pornography is positive and meaningful. Survey data of 1,247 participants seeking help using porn shows that children who watch porn are more likely to feel lonely and those who are experiencing loneliness are more likely to watch pornography.
And this circle goes on and on.
In other words, when anything is done secretly, your child will tend to hide it and feel ashamed of himself. The harmful effects of watching porn make your children dishonest and more susceptible to anxious personality disorders.
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How can parents limit their children’s watching porn?
Talking with children like a friend: raise awareness about why porn is bad
When your child starts using the Internet – it’s a good time to start talking about dangers on the internet. Pornography is one of the sensitive issues that need to be addressed. Many parents think that this type of conversation “erases” their child’s innocence, but in fact, talking is one of the best ways to protect your child from the negative impact of pornography on children’s development.
Listen and be open to what your child says. If your child has questions, it’s best to keep them short and honest and don’t make up answers if you don’t know the answer.
You should reassure them that your child is not in trouble and that you will be happy when he tells you about it. Then try to understand what your child is feeling through some questions like:
What made you look for that type of content?
How did you feel after watching it?
What did you do after seeing it?
Responding when child is watching porn in a gentle way
Stay calm
It’s normal for kids to have questions about sex and gender as they grow and learn. Don’t be harsh if your child is curious. Sometimes children question sex/gender simply because their parents don’t give them the answers they need or lectures at school are not effective enough, they have to find the answers for themselves. Looking at the problem from different perspectives!
If your child comes to you with questions or concerns, be understanding and non-judgmental. It’s important to let them know they can talk to you without feeling embarrassed or ashamed.
Your reaction can have a big impact on how they handle their curiosity in the future!
Have a positive conversation about why porn is bad
Instead of making your child feel like they’ve done something wrong or have done something extremely serious, make sure you approach them calmly. This will help them feel more at ease when they open up and listen.
Instead of assuming your child is spoiled, see this as an opportunity for you to talk and discuss gender topics with your child. You may need to update yourself with some basic gender terms or how to talk about sensitive problems effectively.
Teach them the negative effects of pornography
The media can have a big impact on how children see the world, especially when it comes to harmful content. For example, exposure to violence, gender stereotypes, and especially pornography can shape children’s views in negative ways. This can increase the chances of them engaging in dangerous behaviors and negatively affect their understanding of healthy relationships.
Studies have shown that the images children see can have a lasting impact. Dr. Sharon Cooper, a forensic pediatrician and lecturer at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, agrees that these images can harm children. If your child is exposed to harmful sexual images through pornography, it could leave a lasting impact on them.
Using parental control
If you are:
- Worried about the safety of your children when they’re online, especially with the fear of exposing them to harmful content?
- Tired of keeping track of their screen time and constantly reminding them to turn off devices?
- Exhausted from dealing with the endless “5 more minutes” pleas, only for them to end up using their device for much longer?
If so, CyberPurify Egg has got you covered! Egg keeps your kids SAFE from inappropriate content and websites like porn, dating, gambling, and more.
And helps them stay DISCIPLINED – auto block apps, games, movies during scheduled times, ensuring healthy online habits for your kids.
Be one of the first parents to own a CyberPurify Egg!
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