It’s time to talk about pornography.
It’s time for parents to talk. Friends to talk. Spouses to talk. It’s time for our church to talk about the new drug that 90% of 12-17 year olds have been exposed to. It’s available everywhere and it is killing friendships, marriages, future marriages and whole lives.
Let’s listen to Monica Campo, Senior Researcher at Child Family Community Australia.
Research indicates that children and young people are accessing pornography at increasing rates, with boys aged 14-17 years being the most frequent underage consumers of pornographic material. A recent senate inquiry looked into the effects of pornography on children because a growing number of parents, children, teachers, psychologists and other professionals working with children and young people voiced concerns about the ease of access to pornography online, and the proliferation of increasingly violent pornographic content.
While pornography is not a new phenomenon, the volume available and the way people are accessing it has changed. For example, improvements to Internet downloading speeds and the use of handheld “smart” devices have made accessing pornography easier, faster and more anonymous than ever before. The ease of access to pornography online also contributes to the greater likelihood of children’s accidental exposure.
Studies suggest that the effects of frequent and routine viewing of pornography and other sexualised images may:
▪ reinforce harmful gender stereotypes;
▪ contribute to young people forming sexist views of women and sex; and
▪ contribute to condoning violence against women.
There is also evidence to suggest an association between frequent viewing of online pornography and sexually coercive behaviour exhibited by young men. Pornography consumption by young people may also normalise sexual violence and contribute to unrealistic attitudes of sex and sexuality.
I’ve invited a group of people to join me for a conversation about the porn epidemic in a few weeks’ time. We’re going to seek to answer the question:
What should our church be doing to assist families and individuals to protect themselves and fight against the pornography epidemic?
I would love to hear your thoughts or answers to this question. Please let me know as soon as possible and we will include your thoughts in our conversation.
Click here to email me. Alternately, text me on 0429 939 410.
Let’s talk!
Nigel