In this modern day and
technologically-advanced Internet age, vast amounts of information are readily
available to anyone who goes looking for them – with children and pornography
serving as no exception. Though legal, pornography can have a significant and
lasting impact on the quickly developing brain of an impressionable child.
Exposure to sexually explicit material presents numerous threats and dangers to
all kids – both young boys and girls.
Stumbling across graphic
pornography by accident can be an incredibly distressing and upsetting
experience for kids – especially since they are not expecting to see it, nor
are they developmentally prepared for it. This confronting and complex set of
stimuli is incredibly difficult for such an underdeveloped mind to properly
process: at such early ages, 8 and 9-year-old children are far from possessing
the necessary cognitive and emotional capacities to fully understand the
particular information presented to them.
However, children at a young
age are also incredibly inquisitive – their instinctive curiosity can lead them
to find out more about human sexuality, often through the Internet. There, they
can then be exposed to potentially harmful sexual material and scenarios.
Pornography – as a maladaptive teacher –
can severely and negatively influence kids' future attitudes, expectations, and
values towards safe sexual practices, healthy sexual relationships, and their
sexual partners, as well as to issues regarding trust and consent.
Exposure to pornography can
also lead to the untimely sexualisation of a child, increasing their chances of
engaging in unsafe sexual experimentation – serious health risks such as
infections, diseases, abuse, and exploitation can follow. This can also instigate
problematic sexual behaviour against others – including children – as the child
attempts to grapple with the sudden emergence of complicated emotions and
thoughts. These unresolved issues can persist well into adulthood, hindering
optimal psychosocial and sexual development, with serious consequences for
future relationships.
Parents have a number of
options available to them when it comes to dealing with their children and
pornography in an adaptive manner – however, communication is of vital
importance. It's important to listen to your child and provide emotional
support, especially during sensitive times: show them you care by giving them
your time in a space that's free of shame, judgement and rejection.
Being actively involved in your child's life during
those important developmental stages means you can supervise them, making sure
they stay protected while simultaneously fostering positive social and sexual
development through an open and honest dialogue. By discussing issues such as
the various types of interpersonal relationships and boundaries; rights and
responsibilities; and the associated health risks regarding sexual behaviour,
parents can ensure their child is kept safe and adequately informed.
