Internet porn and teens—a destructive combination.

A recent sobering headline reads: “Young minds are being conditioned by the violent sex they easily access online. Parents have ignored the peril for too long and must act fast” (The Sunday Times, February 24, 2013). Recent research suggests that the average age of first exposure to pornographic images is now age six! In fact, “…the largest consumers of internet porn are the 12-17 age group” (ibid.).

Research also reveals that “Exposure to pornography softens opposition to same-sex marriage,” especially among heterosexual men (Washington Examiner, February 4, 2013). “The reason: Porn opens their mind up to accepting non-traditional sexual situations, like gay sex… Consequently, the results of the study… could be interpreted as suggesting that backers of same-sex marriage should encourage men to watch more porn” (ibid.). Pornography also seems to make the users more supportive of “all kinds of non-traditional sexual behaviors” (ibid.) including adultery and pre-marital sex.

Hand-held electronics and the prevalence of computers have given children access to filth and perversion that was once only available “behind the counter” and required proof of age. Not only does this material literally “scar” and pervert young minds, it also degrades morals.

God warns, “Each of you, throw away the abominations which are before [your] eyes” (Ezekiel 20:7), and we are to remove our feet from evil (Proverbs 4:27). Why are 6-year-olds exposed to pornography? Many parents today are far too naïve and preoccupied with their own challenges (and themselves desensitized), and are unaware of what their children are exposed to on the Internet.

Satan’s society perverts good and promotes evil (2 Corinthians 4:4; Isaiah 5:20), and our children are immersed in it. God tasks parents with raising “godly offspring” on His behalf (Malachi 2:15), and raising them His way (Deuteronomy 6:5-7). To do this, parents must vigilantly protect their children from easy access to the perversions on the Web. For more information on protecting your children, review our article on Teaching Chastity in an Unchaste World.