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The Facts
Did you know that pornography can be just as or even more addicting than harmful drugs like meth or heroin? Did you know that the average age of children’s initial exposure to pornography (accidental or not) is just eleven years old? And that kids under ten account for nearly 10% of online porn consumption?
I have to admit, when I first read those statistics, I wanted to scream and cry and shield my babies from every technological thing in their reach. Here I am naively thinking to myself, “Oh we shouldn’t have to talk about our kids about porn for at least seven or eight more years…” Ummm… Nope! That day I thought was “so far away” has crash-landed on my doorstep nearly ten years too soon. Our oldest is going into kindergarten this fall and the horrendous possibility of kids her age having already been exposed to pornography makes me sick.
Back in the Day
When we were kids, the reality of seeing pornography (even by accident) was fairly low. Computers weren’t really a thing so the risk of technology-based exposure was slim. People had to search for that stuff by driving to some adult film store or have a trashy magazine subscription. Even for adults, it took way more effort. Since the current generation is thrust into the reigning age of technology, pornography can be found in every place imaginable. Even right in our own homes if we’re not careful. That risk of exposure has skyrocketed to a daily occurrence that gets shoved in our kid’s faces. It threatens our families, our relationships and our children’s very innocence.
The Talk
As our children grow, there are certain topics that we must discuss in an effort to educate and protect them. Among those topics include the reality of addictions, the dangers of pornography, and how to prevent and protect themselves from pornography exposure. As parents we have a sacred duty to teach our children the dangers of this world in an age-appropriate way. Just like we teach our children to wear a helmet when they ride their bike, or look both ways before crossing the street; every child deserves to be warned and armed with tools to protect from the dangers of pornography.
The Strategy
How can we armor our kids against the dangers of pornography?
WE DO OUR HOMEWORK.
It’s important for parents to “keep up with the times” as they say, and stay up to date with things our children have or may have access to. One of our favorite resources for porn-proofing our kids is Protect Young Minds.
They have an amazing site devoted to helping parents with every aspect of protecting their children against pornography.
WE WARN THEM.
The days of avoiding potentially awkward discussions like these are long gone. We also can’t depend on anyone else to teach our kids about the reality of pornography. This best-selling book, Good Pictures Bad Pictures is PERFECT for breaking the ice and learning how to discuss the topic with any of your kids in an age-appropriate way. It is easy to follow and comes with so many amazing tools to start off the discussion on the right foot. It’s like the perfect parenting manual for explaining such sensitive but crucial material in a simple way that kids of all ages can understand. There’s even a junior version geared for kids ages 3-6 so we can really prepare our kids with the tools they need to shield themselves. These resources give parents a way to empower their children with strategies like the “Turn, Run and Tell plan” and other essential safety rules that each kid with access to technology should know.
*Parent side note:
I was a little hesitant about reading the junior version to our girls (who are 3 and 5). I’m 99% sure it was just my denial about this even being a potential issue for discussion… However, I was so impressed with how age-appropriate and gentle, yet straightforward, this book is. It is- hands down- one of the best resources I’ve seen for kids and parents alike. Good Pictures Bad Pictures is a groundbreaking tool for parents everywhere!
WE LOVE THEM.
As parents, we “have a sacred duty to rear [our] children in love and righteousness.” (Source) Showing our children unconditional love, especially in times of great difficulty or trial, will solidify a foundation of trust crucial for opening lines of communication and teaching them valuable principles. We have the opportunity to teach our kids values and characteristics that will better their lives and prepare them for challenges they may experience in the future. It’s not always easy, but taking charge of early learning opportunities like this will benefit our children more than we can imagine.
Teaching them to protect their precious brains from the dangers of pornography is an essential task that is a wonderful example of love. It isn’t enough to just avoid the topic and hope our kids won’t run into pornography. Education is our best defense against the things that can lead our children toward destructive paths.
Conclusion
Having an arsenal of resources is essential to protecting our families against the dangers of pornography. Good Pictures Bad Pictures and Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. are phenomenal additions to our parenting resource stockpile to teach children of all ages. These books should be a staple in every household. They are a parenting win!
What do you think about porn-proofing your kids? What age do you teach concepts like these to your littles?
Xoxo,
Tiffaynee
Many thanks to Kristen Jenson, Gail Poyner and their contributors for creating such a strong resource. It is exceptional and filled with so much love! We need more books like these on the shelves.
*While this is a sponsored article, all thoughts and opinions of the reviewed products are my own.*
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