Pornography affects us all. Maybe you’re in a relationship with someone who views it or struggle with pornography yourself. Maybe you have friends or family members impacted by it. We are all at risk of pornography exposure, especially the most vulnerable among us; our children. Pornography is ever-present in our world and, as caring parents, we must pay attention.
I believe every child will see pornography. After years of studying the effects of pornography on children and its widespread availability, I am convinced of this. Still, most parents optimistically hold to the "not my child" belief. But with continual increases in technological advances combined with widespread internet availability, we would be wise to prepare all of our children.
How can we prepare? We can do this by protecting our children both externally and internally. This must begin with education. I urge all concerned parents to explore the “Resources” paper provided. This page highlights many helpful books, articles, and websites aimed at equipping parents. This information can guide parents in setting up protective software on devices (cell phones, computers, iPads, etc). It also provides guidance on how to talk with children, in age appropriate ways, about the dangers of pornography and what to do when they see it. For parents whose children have already seen pornography, addiction treatment resources are also included.
Let me share a powerful story about one mother’s experience after a seminar:
"Just wanted to say thank you for this night, this topic, this information. On Forest's recommendation, we bought the book "Good Pictures, Bad Pictures," read it with our kids, and learned that at 9 (our daughter) and 7 (our son), our kids have both already viewed pornographic images. This allowed us to have a discussion we would not have even thought to have! Thank you!”
Despite the fear this topic induces in parents, there is hope. While the task of protecting our children is daunting, we can do so much. Even for parents who have made mistakes in this area, today is a great day to take this new information and start again.
It is my hope that each person reading this message will be inspired to seek help for themselves and those they love. It is my courageous conviction that we can change the course of history for our children, starting with protecting our homes and preparing their younger hearts.
Let's begin today.
Forest Benedict is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who specializes in sexual addiction treatment. He is a husband and father who strives to change the world his children are growing up in. His personal mission is to educate and equip adults to protect all children from pornography. Read more of his writing on this topic at Lifestar and other topics on his personal blog.
MORE RESOURCES
Forest Benedict, MA, Sexual Addiction
Treatment Provider, LMFT
Author of “Protecting Children
from the Path of Pornography”
Clinical Director of
YouthSTAR Treatment Program (for teens) and LifeSTAR (for adults)
(559) 715-4478
forest@roubicekandthacker.com
Resources
for Parents:
•
“When Your Child is Looking at Porn: A
Step-By-Step Guide for Christian Parents” http://www.covenanteyes.com/when-your-child-is-looking-at-porn/
•
“The Guideline: A Parent’s Guide to Addressing
Pornography with Children” http://store.fightthenewdrug.org/products/the-guideline-pdf
• Porn-Proof
Kids: Tips & Tools to Protect Young Minds - pornproofkids.com
• Educate
Empower Kids - http://educateempowerkids.org/resources/
•
Internet
Safety 101 - http://www.internetsafety101.org/safety101.htm
• LifeSTAR: lifestarcentralvalley.wordpress.com/children-teens-and-parents
•
“The Moment Your Child Sees Porn: How to
Prepare”
https://lifestarcentralvalley.wordpress.com/2015/10/21/the-moment-your-child-sees-
pornography-how-to-prepare/
• How We Love Our Kids (2011), Yerkovich (connecting with kids)
Resources for Children & Teens:
• Good
Pictures, Bad Pictures (Jenson) - Goodpicturesbadpictures.com
(Kids)
•
Fortify: A Step Toward Recovery (2013) –
Fight The New Drug (Teens)
• Fight
the New Drug: fightthenewdrug.org
• What’s
the Big Deal About Pornography: A Guide for the Internet Generation, For Teens
& Parents - Dr. Jill Manning,
Addiction
Resources:
• YouthSTAR
of the Central Valley: Treatment Program for teenagers (559) 323-8484 Roubicekandthacker.com/youthstar-overcoming-pornography-for-teens
• Fortify
Online Recovery Program: FREE for ages
20 & under: fortifyprogram.org
Pornography
Protection Tools:
•
Filter & Accountability Software (computer,
iPad, phone, etc): CovenantEyes.com (free
30-day trial, can use promo code: safepath)
• Open
DNS: Blocks adult website access on
every device in the home https://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security/
(free)
•
Movies/Videos/Music/TV/Games Reviews: pluggedin.com
•
A Proactive Approach to Porn-Proofing Your Devices https://lifestarcentralvalley.wordpress.com/2015/12/17/a-proactive-approach-to-porn-proofing-your-presents-this-christmas-8-resources/
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