Online pornography has reached epidemic levels in our culture.
- 40% of adults regularly visit porn sites.
- 69% of men ages 18 to 26 regularly visit porn sites.
- 30% of porn consumers are women.
- Hollywood produces around 400 films a year. The adult film industry produces more than 11,000.
- 47% of believers struggle with pornography.
- 40% of pastors struggle with pornography.
- The average age children are exposed to pornography is 11 years old.
- It normally happens online while they are doing homework.
- 90% of 8 to 16-year-olds have been to a porn site.
- According to a global survey of 19,000 parents, children as young as 6 are accessing porn.
- The largest group of porn users is 12 to 17-year-olds.
One expert says, "There is evidence that the prevalence of pornography in the lives of children is far more significant than most adults realize. Pornography is deforming the healthy development of children and is being used to exploit adolescents."
A study of teenagers found that boys who viewed pornography were significantly more likely to sexually harass a peer or force someone to have sex.
In one study, 29 of 30 juvenile sex offenders had been exposed to X-rated magazines or videos.
In a study of arrested child pornography possessors, 40% were found to have sexually victimized children. Children pornography has now become a $3 billion annual industry.
Approximately 30 million children have been sexually exploited in the last 30 years. The average age of a trafficked victim is 12-14 years old.
As Children's Ministry Leaders, we must be proactive in helping parents protect their children from the onslaught.
This is a serious issue that goes beyond the stats and damages real families that are part of our ministries. I've had several parents come to me heartbroken because they found their child viewing pornography.
What can we do?
Adults must lead the way in living a life that is pleasing to God. Fathers especially must be the example and be committed to purity and holiness.
Equip parents with tools they can use to protect their children. Provide a list of internet safety filters. Teach them to set parameters such as no computer in the child's room, keeping the computer in a public place in the house, setting safety apps and measures on smart phones, etc.
Encourage parents to create a home environment where their children feel comfortable coming to them with questions and discussions about sex. This will help children get their answers from them instead of media, friends at school, etc.
Provide parents with tools to teach their children God's plan for sex. When the child reaches an appropriate age, give parents the confidence to instruct their children by making tools like Passport to Purity available. I used this tool to teach my children and it was very helpful.
Sex is part of God's plan for the marriage relationship and is a good thing inside His parameters. The evil one, as usual, has tried to take something good and pervert it. When parents teach their kids God's plan, they will be able to recognize the counterfeits of the enemy.
