10 Ways to Help Protect Your Child From Accessing and Viewing Pornography
I would have to say that one of my biggest concerns when it comes to sexual health education in my travels from school to school, is kids access to pornography. The thing is, as a parent you can’t totally stop your child from watching it but at the same time, you can make a huge difference.
So, here are 10 practical ways to protect your child from accessing and viewing pornography.
Be open and honest about what pornography is. Use the word pornography and don’t avoid the subject or make up a story.
Wondering how to have conversations with your child about pornography? Click here to read my blog.
Talk to your child as soon as they have access to the internet in an age-appropriate way, of course, about what to do when they see it.
Wondering how to have conversations with your child about pornography? Click here to read my blog.
Talk about why it’s not good for them, the consequences that it can have, especially its dangers.
Talk about having an action plan what to do when they see it.
Tell them that they will not be in trouble when they see it and that you will be proud of them for telling you and that you will not confiscate their device. Be careful not to blame or accuse your child otherwise they probably won’t tell you from that point on.
Be pro-active in your conversations with them about pornography, point it out, for example in songs, movies, so take everyday opportunities to address it, rather than waiting for a problem to arise.
Get parental controls, monitor media and have a family internet contract. Go to e-safety websites for the best recommendations for your devices and home context.
Get to know your child’s interests on social media even without them necessarily knowing, for example TikTok, Instagram, snap chat and other accounts that they might like and want to use.
Teach sexual health education from an early age. Be sure to teach your child about public and private parts, healthy relationships, respect, consent and that pleasure is important and feels nice.
If you're curious to learn more about the importance of teaching your children about pornography at a young age, please click here to read my blog.
Don’t give up even when you mess things up. So, have a life-long ongoing perspective, asking lots of questions along the way.
All of us can make a huge difference and give our children opportunities to reject pornography and as a result to have healthy and happy relationships in the future.
More Resources For Parents
Click here for a list of books about pornography and cyber safety for more insights in protecting your child from pornography. I have read and reviewed all of the books you find on this page and I am still in the process of adding more books to the list.
Or, click here for a list of parenting books that answer all your questions about puberty education and more.
