Prevalence of Adolescent Pornography Use 

Sadly, teen pornography use is prevalent, and finding help for adolescent pornography use is vital. According to internetsafety101.org, most pornography contains violence and bad language. Over half of teen boys aged 12 to 15 have viewed internet porn, and almost a third of girls in that age bracket have as well.  

Desensitization to Pornography 

What’s more disturbing: internetsafety101.org also reports that two thirds of young men and half of young women see viewing pornography as an acceptable thing to do. When people are consistently exposed to something, they start tolerating it even if they were once appalled by it. This is why many people don’t even realize help for adolescent pornography use is necessary. In the world of psychology, this is called desensitization. 

What’s Wrong with Adolescent Pornography Use 

For parents who are trying to preserve the sanctity of sex in a committed relationship and trying to teach these values to their children, adolescent pornography use is cause for concern. These videos teach your children the opposite of what you want them to think about intimacy, emotional connection, marriage, monogamy, and respecting women. 

 Signs of Adolescent Pornography Use 

Here are some signs that your teen might be using the internet inappropriately: 

• They consistently clear their browser history. 
• They regularly close a tab on their phone whenever you walk into the room. 
• They excessively masturbate. 
• They won’t allow you to see what apps they keep on their phone. 
• They close the door to their room whenever they’re on their computer, tablet or phone. 
• They use terms you don’t think they should know when they discuss sex. 

Just because these signs are present doesn’t mean your teenager is viewing pornography. However, it’s worth asking the question just in case you need to get help for your adolescent’s pornography use. 

How to Help Your Teen If They’re Using Porn 

What do you do if you find out your teenager is watching porn? How do you get help for your adolescent’s pornography use? 

The Natural Response 

Getting angry is a natural response. You probably feel betrayed by their lying and sneaking. It’s also scary to think about what harm they might have done to their relational development. However, this will not help stop your adolescent’s pornography use.

How You Should Respond 

Instead of getting mad, try to focus on what you’re feeling underneath the anger. That’s what’s worth expressing to your child because those are the things that will make an emotional impact and help your adolescent with their pornography use. Yelling at them will just deepen the shame I can almost guarantee your teen is feeling. 

Restrict Your Teen’s Internet Use

You will also need to place tight restrictions on their internet use and closely monitor their online activity. There is a natural high that occurs from viewing sexual content, making it very addicting. If your teen stops having access to porn, slowly they will stop craving it. Restricting internet use is a big help in stopping your adolescent’s pornography use.

Get Your Teen a Therapist 

Oftentimes therapy or counseling is necessary if adolescent pornography use is frequent. Your teen may need to work with a therapist who has experience in treating porn addiction.  

Why Therapists Can Help with Adolescent Pornography Use 

Teens can feel a lot of embarrassment for this behavior. Consequently, they’re often reluctant to share how extensive their pornography use is. However, a good counselor for teens will know how to delicately maneuver through these emotions. 

Finding Help for Adolescent Pornography Use

If you have more questions about the situation your teen is dealing with don’t hesitate to call. We can help you determine if therapy is necessary in this situation. We even offer teletherapy for California residents who live outside Orange County. Adolescent pornography use is heartbreaking; we’re here to help. 

  

Helping teens grow and families improve connection, 

Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT