So You Caught Your Child Watching Porn. Now What?

Children below the age of 13 must not be exposed to porn. However, teenagers will watch porn. They were watching porn even before the internet. So what you need to do is gear up and have the talk.

First, Prepare Yourself:
Teenager’s interest in sex and voyeuristic behavior to satisfy sexual urges are completely normal. Don’t isolate the act of ‘watching pornography’ but consider it as part of their ongoing sexual development.

Engage with The Bigger Picture:
Finding out that your child is watching porn is a perfect ‘teachable moment’. Parents may use it to talk about sex, sexuality, their behavior and feelings. It may be difficult and embarrassing but it is a key moment to pass on messages and lessons that your child will benefit from in her/his life ahead.

Break The Myth:
Explaining how pornography works and stressing on its ‘unreality’ (they are ‘actors’ and ‘actresses’. the scene is ‘edited’ and ‘lit’. The ejaculate is made of ‘corn flour’) can break the myth around the content. One can also delve into gender dynamics (why is it shot from the point of the view of the man? is a good start) and roles and expectations.

Explain the Consequences:
Without unduly scaring them explain to them the consequences of watching porn. Some messages include:- ‘Watching child sexual abuse imagery is crime’. ‘Watching pornography in public is crime’. ‘Pornography tends to be disrespectful of women’. ‘Pornography may lead to unrealistic expectation that may effect your future sex life’.

Conversations like this are part of parenting. Difficult as they are, they can ultimately be good for your children and your relationship with them.

(source:- SafeKids)