The average age a child is first exposed to pornography is between nine and 13. A CommonSense Media study found 52% of teen boys and 36% of teen girls watch porn on purpose, the majority watching once a week or more. Still, less than half of teens have had a conversation with a trusted adult about their struggles and how to fight pornography.
Why are so many dads turning a blind eye to this? Is it because they don’t think it’s a problem? Is it because of their own porn use? Maybe they feel hypocritical setting boundaries for their kids that they themselves can’t hold. If this is you, we want you to know it’s not too late to protect your kids, and there is hope for you too. Here are 10 ways to fight pornography.
1. Admit you have a problem.
We live in a world that wants us to make allowance for justifying and tolerating almost every off-color thing we can think of. One of the best things you can do for yourself, your marriage, and your children is to admit you have a problem with pornography.
2. Invite trusted friends to encourage you and hold you accountable.
We would also suggest bringing your wife in on your struggle. Voicing your struggle to others and admitting you have a problem is a huge step in the right direction.
3. Get some online accountability.
Use software to monitor your online activity. Covenant Eyes is a great resource. It allows an accountability partner to receive reports for sites you’ve visited and searches you’ve made. This lets them know when they need to follow up with you on questionable activity. It also allows you to celebrate with each other in putting online struggles to death.
4. Set boundaries with your mobile device.
Nowadays, our smartphones and tablets are even more of a gateway to pornography than a desktop computer. The same online accountability applies to your mobile device. Set boundaries and use software to monitor all online activity.
5. If you have offline pornography at your disposal, destroy it.
If you want to fight your addiction to pornography but you’re hanging on to that magazine or DVD in its secret hiding place, then your “fight” is really just a masquerade. Man up, and destroy those items—right now.
6. Take all forms of media seriously.
If you are going to fight pornography, you need to protect yourself from everything that can cause harm. Don’t think to yourself that TV shows or movies that emphasize sexual situations or portray women in the wrong light are harmless. Even if they are not considered “porn,” they are damaging. If you’re struggling with pornography, these types of entertainment will only make your struggle more difficult.
7. Your pornography addiction is a heart issue first and foremost.
Have you been feeling lonely or stressed lately? If you are married, are you content with the level of sexual intimacy with your spouse? How might porn be impacting that? Often times, there is a deeper emotional component that leads you to a temptation to watch porn. These are great questions to ask yourself and might lead you to the root cause of your addiction.
8. Realize that you didn’t just become addicted to porn.
How you conduct yourself in public and where you look every day have greatly influenced where you find yourself today. That long stare at the passing woman, the double-take at the lady you just walked by, the thoughts that come to mind about that one special coworker. This is where the battle starts in the everyday scenarios and situations. Fight the good fight here too. Guard your eyes and guard your mind.
9. Take a second and think beyond the images or videos you’re looking at.
This is a person, a real woman, a human being created by God, just like you. She’s somebody’s daughter, sister, or even mother. Think of what her life must be like in front of the camera day after day, exploited and made insanely vulnerable. Chances are good that she’s a sex trafficking victim and your addiction is helping to fund this multibillion-dollar crime. She does not exist for your enjoyment. She is being held captive and more than likely is crying out for help.
10. Recognize the science behind the damage porn causes.
Research is beginning to give us the full, frightening picture of what porn can do to a brain and a life. Like a drug, it alters brain chemicals creating a need for a level of stimulation that healthy marital sex lives don’t always provide. It creates a distorted view of sex and causes you to suffer from a desire that can’t be satisfied.
You deserve better. Fight pornography.
When you watch porn, you are exchanging truth for a lie, voluntarily placing your affections on the cheap thrills that are ultimately fleeting and leave you feeling worthless. You were created for God, by God. Every time you are tempted, ask God to help you fight pornography.
Sound off: What are some other ways to fight pornography?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “Do you know what pornography is? Have you ever seen any?”