In today's digital age, children are increasingly exposed to various online dangers, including the widespread availability of explicit adult content. 

For young kids, under 8, accidentally encountering pornographic material can be confusing or distressing. At worst, it can be harmful. 

Older kids and teenagers may be more curious and actively seek out pornography online. Even if kids are not seeking porn, often they come across it and are exposed to porn by age 12.  For them, the risk is that exposure to graphic, violent, or misleading messages about sexual practices and gender stereotypes could give them the wrong idea about sex and intimate relationships. 

As a parent or trusted adult, it’s important to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to protect your children from these internet dangers.

This blog provides practical guidance and strategies to safeguard children from online porn and navigate the internet safely.

7 Internet Danger (Online Porn): Child Protection Tips

1. Open Communication and Education

Before you start the discussion with your children, consider what you might want them to think, learn and know about sexuality and intimacy. Think about whether the messages you give are about porn or about sex. 

“It should be possible to be sex-positive and Pornhub-negative.”

For younger children, under 8, If we want children’s understanding of sexuality to be connected to human intimacy, we must talk about how physical and emotional intimacy are related to each other,” said Deborah Roffman.

She suggested talking with your child about “cuddling and the amazing feelings it evokes — help them name feeling safe, loved and protected. That physical contact within the context of pornography is the opposite of that.”

It is also crucial to have parental controls in place on digital devices, to help protect kids from accidentally seeing something disturbing.

For kids in middle school, we should provide concrete metaphors to make the point that porn isn’t an accurate portrayal of sex and certainly not of sexual intimacy. 

We can say, “Sometimes people look at porn because they want to learn about sex, but that’s like watching ‘The Fast and the Furious’ to learn how to drive.” Then we watch the trailer for “The Fast and the Furious” and discuss questions like, who was impacted by the driving? What were the consequences? What makes it entertaining to watch? How is it different from real life?

These conversations help kids understand that porn creates highly dramatized, even caricatured images of sex, just as the film does with driving, and that real-life experiences may look very different.

Establish a safe and non-judgmental space where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences. Explain the risks and potential consequences of encountering explicit content without using fear tactics.

Remember: It does not end with the big "sex talk" but rather, it's a continuous conversation about internet danger (online porn) & sexuality, whereas a parent can continue elaborating and introducing concepts as they grow older.

We all know how hard it is to talk to your kids about sex, often because parents haven’t been equipped with the most accurate information themselves. With the help of OBGYN, sex educator, and licensed psychologist partners, we’ve put together Yoni Magic, a 10 Sex Ed book series to put empowering education directly into parents’ hands. This series includes a variety of topics from natural wonders of female and male anatomy to gender identity and diversity that were written and illustrated in a shame-free free format.  

2. Age-Appropriate Online Content

Set clear boundaries for the type of content your child can access online. Utilize parental control software, browser filters, and other tools should be deployed to ensure kids don’t stumble over internet danger such as sexual content. Most of this is relatively simple, such as enabling Google’s SafeSearch function and turning on apps and operating-system-level controls on phones. 

Encourage them to engage in productive and educational online activities, such as supervised research or age-appropriate games.

3. Teach Digital Literacy and Critical Thinking

Empower children with digital literacy skills to help them understand the potential risks online. Teach them to question the credibility of sources, recognize clickbait, and be cautious about sharing personal information. Encourage critical thinking by discussing the manipulative techniques used by advertisers and predators online.

4. Supervise Online Activities

Maintain an active presence in your child's online life by supervising their activities. Place computers and devices in shared family spaces, making it easier to monitor their browsing habits. Regularly check their browsing history, social media profiles, and online friends. 

Remember:  Balance supervision with trust and privacy as children grow older.

5. Establish Internet Rules and Boundaries 

Create a set of internet rules and boundaries that align with your family values. Set limits on screen time, establish device-free zones (e.g., bedrooms during bedtime), and encourage offline activities. Regularly revisit and update these rules as your child grows and gains more independence.

6. Encourage Reporting and Seeking Help

Teach your child the importance of reporting any uncomfortable or inappropriate online encounters. Assure them that they can confide in you without fear of punishment. Make them aware of trusted adults they can turn to, such as teachers, counselors, or helpline services.

7. Be a Positive Digital Role Model

Children learn by observing their parents and trusted adults. Be a positive digital role model by practicing responsible internet use yourself. Show them how to engage in meaningful online interactions, respect others' privacy, and avoid sharing explicit content or engaging in cyberbullying.

Protecting children from online porn and other internet dangers requires a multi-faceted approach that combines open communication, education, supervision, and the establishment of boundaries. By fostering a safe and supportive digital environment, parents, caregivers, and trusted adults can empower children to make informed choices and navigate the online world responsibly. Remember, the key is to remain engaged, stay informed about the latest digital trends, and adapt your strategies as technology continues to evolve. 

Together, we can help our children thrive in the digital age while staying protected from harmful online influences.

Your superhero,

My Little Yoni🌈