What Can You Do When Your Teen is Addicted to Porn

Pornography addiction among teens has become a serious problem in today's society. Children are constantly being exposed to pornographic images on the internet and sites like PornHub and OnlyFans are readily available to anyone.  According to studies, 73% of teenagers aged between 13 and 17 stated that they've watched pornography online. This has many parents concerned as the addiction can lead to mental health issues.  If you're a parent that's recently found out your teen has a porn addiction, the information in this post can help you. We explain how you can talk to your child about pornography and ways you can help them overcome their addiction.  

What Causes Porn Addiction in Teenagers? 

Children who've been exposed to pornography at a young age have a higher risk of developing an addiction. Since porn can be accessed with a touch of a button some teenagers may begin to watch porn out of curiosity.  However, watching pornographic videos or viewing explicit pictures can tempt teenagers and they'll begin to develop an addiction over time. This is especially true if your child exhibits addictive behaviors. 

How Can You Know Your Child is Addicted to Porn? 

Like many types of addictions, pornography can affect your teenager's brain and reprogram the way he or she thinks. In this case, you may begin to notice that your child has developed mental health disorders like depression.  Additionally, it's common for teenagers to try and hide things from their parents so they may begin to show signs of anxiety. This is because they're constantly worried you're going to find out they've been watching porn.  You'll also notice that they have an internet addiction and that they frequently delete their browsing history. Lastly, they may have secret folders on their computers or smartphones with explicit videos and pictures. 

How to Talk to Your Teen About Pornography

All parents must have a conversation about sex with their teenagers at some stage. You have to ensure that you're teen knows the consequences of unsafe sex or being intimate at a young age.  However, these conversations can be embarrassing for your child, especially if you've found out they have a porn addiction. Before you confront your child plan what you're going to say. Be open with your child and try not to judge them because it might make them not want to trust you.  The goal is to get your teen to open up to you about their problem so you must remain respectful and supportive. Ask your child questions and allow them to speak freely before giving them advice about the dangers of porn addiction. 

What To Do When Your Teen is Addicted to Pornography

As this is an addiction you're dealing with it can be difficult for your teen to stop watching pornography even after you've spoken to them. If this is the case, follow these tips. 

Confiscate Electronic Devices 

The best way to prevent your teen from gaining access to pornographic sites after you've spoken to them is to confiscate their smartphone and any other device they can access the internet on.  Taking away their devices will help curb the need to watch explicit videos and allow them to start engaging in healthier activities. 

Use Pornography Filters 

There are a variety of apps that you can use to filter out pornographic sites on your network. Block these sites or use a parental code to lock them so your teenager can't gain access to them. 

Activate a Pornography Alert on Your Network 

There are certain Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that allow users to set up specific alerts on their network. Opt to get notifications whenever someone opens up a pornographic site on your network. You can then immediately block this site to ensure your teen doesn't have access to it again. 

Set Boundaries 

After you've spoken to your teenager, you may want to set boundaries so that they don't fall into the same habits. Explain to your teen that the reason you're setting up these boundaries is to prevent porn and internet addiction and to protect their mental health.  Boundaries can include only allowing your teen to use their device at specific times of the day. You can also suggest that their bedroom door stays ajar unless they're getting changed into clothes or studying for exams. 

You May Need to Seek Professional Help 

If you've taken all of these steps but your teen is still finding ways to access pornographic sites, then you may need help from a mental health professional. You can take your teen to a therapist so they can determine how to fix your child's behavioral issue.  Therapy can assist with mental disorders as well as social media addiction and find ways to improve their daily lives so they don't feel the need for these escape mechanisms. A therapist can also help your child understand that pornographic material can hurt mental well-being and future relationships.  

ADHD in Teens, How Liahona Boys Academy Can Help

Porn addiction should never be taken lightly because it can cause a series of other behavioral problems like cybersex addiction, depression, anxiety, and anger issues.  Speak to one of our mental health professionals at Liahona Academy so we can find practical solutions for your teen's addiction.  We have a series of programs that can strengthen your child's willpower and prevent them from getting trapped in a cycle.