Helping a teenager addicted to porn

Curiosity about sex is normal in teenagers, but what happens if you catch your child watching porn? The worst discovery a parent can make is finding out their child is consuming such material. Even worse, is finding out that the child is addicted to pornography and cannot control how much they consume. Many parents would rather not address a teen’s porn issue, for fear of what else they might discover. But you need to help your child through this and get them to stop.  Dr Raoul Goldberg, medical doctor and author on Addictive Behaviour In Children and Young Adults, says most children learn about sex these days by watching TV. Once they are exposed, it in your hands as a parent to help them stop watching porn.

Signs they are into porn

if your child’s language suddenly turns sexual and they seem to be touching themselves more than usual, then you should start worrying. If they also change their passwords so that you don’t have access to their phone, then you must investigate what they are hiding. Chances are they consuming porn behind closed doors.

How to help your child

1. Stay calm. Let them know that you want to speak to them openly and in a non-judgemental way. That way you can determine if it is curiosity or a serious issue.
2. Have a calm chat with them at a later stage and not in the heat of the moment.
3. Be prepared for conflict as you try to get to the bottom of the issue.
4. It is normal to be curious about sex, explaining this will help you have an open conversation.
5. Explain that women should be seen as people and not sexual objects.
6. Explain sexuality in terms of a loving relationship that involves respect, love and care.
7. Establish with your child what constitutes acceptable sexual behaviour.
8. Enforce strict boundaries in relation to Internet use.
9. Urge them to develop other healthier hobbies, like sport.