5 Ways to Strengthen Your Kids against Pornography

From an article by Lisa Ann Thomson

Photo illustration from Getty Images

The statistics on pornography can overwhelm parents. But even with the pervasiveness of pornography, you can successfully prepare your child to reject pornography. Here are five strategies that can help.

1. Address access

Start with outer defenses. Use filters, enable parental and content controls, establish an open-book policy, and keep electronics in common areas.

2. Preach of Christ

Physical filtering can only go so far. If we help children gain a testimony of Heavenly Father’s love and the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, that is the greatest filter of all.

3. Teach healthy sexuality

It is not enough to label pornography as bad; parents also need to teach their children what is good and maintain an ongoing dialogue for children to ask questions whenever they have them.

4. Shatter the myth of pornography

In discussions about pornography, parents should point out that pornography is mythical on all levels. The behaviors portrayed in pornography are neither normal nor a reflection of what should be anticipated or expected in a healthy relationship.

5. Teach that there is hope

Emphasize that the Savior’s power is real and that it makes change and repentance possible.

Learn More

• For more ideas on how to address this issue, listen to this Mormon Channel podcast: “How to Talk to Your Kids about Pornography.” (Eng Only)

• Learn more about how to help your kids fight pornography by reading the full Ensign and Liahona article “Eight Strategies to Help Children Reject Pornography.”