Hazardous to your health...do not ingest...call the poison control center. We know the warnings from many labels we encounter in lives. As parents we keep chemicals that are harmful out of reach or in secured cabinets. How far does our concern go when it comes to our children? We spend many years protecting their bodies, providing good nutrition, educating their brains and filling their heart with love. And now that all the things that has been done by us as parents there is one thing that is going to rob it from our children, porongraphy. Yes its true our children are at risk as early as age 9. We could very well have a preteen addicted to pornography and carrying very unhealthy practices into future relationships and marriage.
Here are the facts:
90% of children ages 8-16 have viewed pornography
The average age of first internet exposure to porn is 11
More than 11 million teens regularly view porn online
The largest consumers of pornography are boys aged 12-17
70% of men aged 18-34 visit a pornographic web site in a given month
One in six women struggle with pornography addiction (Christian Counseling Today vol. 21 No 1)
There are 3 things that need to happen to safeguard our children from what could be one of the greatest tragedies in today's society; education, accountability and boundaries.
First educate yourself on the facts and how to help your children. Address any personal problem that may be in your own life or marriage. Burying your head in the sand won't make these issues go away. Pornography, media and gaming addictions are very common and should be taken seriously and address with a specialist. Educating the young children in your home as a parent should come at an age of 7-8. Leaving it to the friends or school officials gives the impression that it may not be important. We are their first choice for accountability and safety.
Accountability with us as adults comes with making good choices in our home and the workplace. The more we practice healthy boundaries with friends, co-workers and other past acquaintances will create good examples for the ones watching. Facebook is the #1 reason listed on divorce filing today. Be guardful of the loved ones within your care. Workplace affairs are not limited to men given there are more women in the workplace today than ever before. Sit down with your spouse and discuss expectations that you both have in your marriage and review them on a regular basis.
Boundaries are many times either not clearly defined or moved to accommodate pressure or the inability to say no. Today's children are living in a very fast paced society where instant gratification is readily available. As parents we mistake giving things to giving time. Most teenagers if asked what they want from the parent would respond with "for my parent to listen". When we practice our boundaries and employ good listening skills we are building a great rapport that will last forever.
Safety is not the absence of danger when it comes to our children's lives. The teaching of healthy avenues to ensure a positive response to negative situations will guard your children's minds, hearts and souls for the future.
