Because of the ease of access to explicit materials and the sexualization of our society, parents and professionals are increasingly faced with the task of addressing the use of pornography among teens. Statistics suggest that 93% of boys and 62% of girls are exposed to internet pornography before the age of 18. 67% of youth admit to clearing their browsing history to hide their on-line behavior. 70% of young men between the ages of 18 to 24 admit to visiting pornography websites on a monthly basis.
In the past, viewing pornography has been viewed as a taboo and unacceptable behavior for teens. Is viewing pornography considered a normal and acceptable behavior for today’s teens? Some teens think so. When confronted about the habit of viewing pornography, they argue, “Everyone is doing it.” and “Isn’t it a better way to deal with sexual feelings than actually having sex?”.
Many parents continue to reject the use of pornography by their teens, but often minimize or underestimate to what extent their teens or viewing pornography and the negative effects that viewing has on adolescent development.
Neurological research has found that pornography is highly addictive due to the chemical release in the brain that occurs while viewing pornography. For some teens, the euphoria that is experienced from these neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain becomes a phenomena that is difficult to resist. Many find an escape from reality through viewing pornography. It becomes an easy way to temporarily avoid life difficulties. The potency of on-line high definition pornography contributes to how easily some teens become addicted. The strength of today’s pornography far surpasses what was found in the pornographic magazines of the past.
Pornography distorts a teen’s view of sexuality and intimacy and ultimately destroys relationships. One study found that 56% of divorce cases involve one party having an obsessive interest in pornography. Teens who become addicted to pornography often begin isolate from others and their capacity to effectively socialize with others becomes weakened as increased time and energy is spent in fantasy and escape than in reality.
As addicted teens move into adulthood and into marriage relationships, therapists warn that some prefer pornography and masturbation to real sex.
While it is normal for teens to be curious and attracted to pornography, the consequences of developing a habit of viewing pornography can be damaging and long lasting. If you know a teen or young adult who is struggling with a habit of viewing pornography or a parent who has a child struggling with pornography, let them know there is help. Contact us today by clicking here.