With the quick access of media made available and the strong influence of pornography, especially in today’s generation, the majority of parents face the embarrassment to address pornography as a topic of discussion with their children. There is a tremendous rise in usage of pornography amongst children. In such situations, parents are unsure about how to handle it. They don’t know who to approach for help, especially when it becomes an addiction.

As per studies, porn addictions start in adolescence. However, most parents don’t realize until the problem becomes bigger. It is certainly not easy to parent a child who is addicted to pornography. With the help of some of the steps, parents can help children overcome porn addiction as it’s quite a serious concern. Most parents think it’s a phase and soon the children will get over it. The bitter truth is that they get so addicted to it that children have to eventually seek treatment. It is always better to help children get over the porn addiction now before it leads to many unwanted problems in the future.

• Strategies for parents to help children overcome pornography addiction

When you discover porn addiction in your children, it is definitely an awful experience. As a parent you want to do all it takes to help your child overcome the addiction. The process to help your child recover from the problem is indeed not an easy one. However, when the right strategies are applied, nothing seems difficult. Here are some of the best strategies for parents to support their child struggling with porn addiction.

• An expression often helps

It is important for parents to express their love and be affectionate towards the child. Also, tell your child that pornography leads to many problems in his life and directly impacts his happiness and well being. Create a relationship with your children in a loving manner and teach them the right values and attitudes to be possessed towards sexuality.

• Porn leads to sexual distortion

Provide right guidance to your child and teach them how porn addiction leads to sexual distortion. It makes them look at others in a sexual way all the time and is dangerously addictive. Create awareness in your child and family members about the process of desensitization that takes place due to intermittent exposure to images and acts found in magazines, books, internet and programs shown on television.

• Follow up

Open the lines of communication after the acknowledgment of the problem. Addiction often leads to secrecy and the chances of recurrence are lesser when you discuss about it in a caring manner.

• Stay calm

The most common reaction of parents when they discover porn addiction of their child is anger and shock. Well, it is quite natural to be angry, but that’s not the solution to help your child. Instead of showing anger, act concerned and discuss with your child without showing any disrespect. Try to probe to figure out how the problem cropped up in the first place and know how extensive the addiction is.

• Accountability

Make use of internet filters on your child’s handheld devices and computers. Know all about the sources through which pornography can be viewed and take required steps to ensure pornography does not enter your home. Prepare yourself to remove internet and other data provisions as and when needed. Instead of threatening your child, try to teach discipline and guide them with kindness to seek professional help.

• Communicate

Communication is very important so as to know how the child feels about the addiction and whether he wishes to continue. Encourage your child at all times to overcome the problem without giving up. Limit television and internet time and use filters to ensure there is no access to watch porn stuffs. Place computers and television in an area that’s clearly visible to everyone so there is less or no chance for your child to get into such obscene acts. These are some of the powerful ways through which your child can overcome porn addiction.