Predators & Pornography

The biggest concerns educators and parents face is that of their children being exposed to online predators and/or sexually explicit content. Being informed is the key to protecting our children. Rather than simply saying no to our children, explaining the real threat that pornography has on their minds, relationships and souls can make a big difference to their understanding of why they should keep away from this temptation.

Notes from our recent Cyber safety Workshop

It’s out there and whether our child has searched for it, come across it accidentally or been targeted by a scam or a predator we need to talk about it. Although we may have filters and ‘Net Nanny’s’, a pro-active approach by parents is needed and this begins with an open conversation. These conversations need to be a part of on-going conversations between parents and their children about sexuality and relationships. 

The ugly truth about porn

•        Porn dissemination, production and consumption is at record levels and growing

•        There appears to be a general ‘mainstreaming’ of pornography – T.V and media are ‘normalising’ it

•         Pornography has been seen by most 11 year olds

•        70% of boys have viewed it by age 12 and almost all (96%) by age 16

•        The incidence of girls accessing pornography is increasing

•        Viewing inappropriate content is affecting our young people – their sexuality, their sexual practices

•        Young people acknowledge that Pornography is both demoralising and degrading

•        Porn influences body image, self-esteem, relationships and mental health

Some Tips for Parents

·      1. Don’t wait until it happens. Be proactive by being informed – use the resources linked on this site

·      2.  Restate the values that you as a family uphold and why this content is not acceptable in your child’s life – discuss the dangers. Have age appropriate conversations about what is normal and healthy and what is not

    3. Realise that your child may access this at a friends or a relative’s home and they need to know how to report it and that it is safe to do so

·      4. Never leave your child unattended with access to the internet

·       5.Never allow devices behind closed doors, especially bedrooms

·      6. Don’t overreact when your child does speak to you about these issues –usually it is just a case of answering their questions and sharing strategies with them

·       7. Give your child age appropriate strategies should they come across inappropriate content -

 STOP BLOCK REPORT

·      8. Teach your child to never give out personal information online or to respond to scams such as, “You’ve won an iPad!” –these can be linked to unsafe sites. Nothing is free on the internet!

·       9. If you suspect your child has been contacted by a predator, try to save a copy of the chat log (or whatever form the contact takes) for evidence. Call Crime Stoppers 24-hour line 1800 333 000 to make a formal complaint.

·       10. Seek professional help if necessary 

When your child is looking at porn - a parent handbook

What pornography does to our children - Focus on the Family

Pornography - a public health crisis

How to protect your kids from online predators