PARENT SUPPORT SYSTEM
First Exposure Prep
5-7 years old
To be well-prepared for their first exposure to pornography, children need to have a basic definition of pornography, understand that the brain has a specific reaction to it, become aware of the potential for addiction, and work with their parents to adopt a simple plan for when pornography is encountered.
What should a child know at this stage?
- Simple definition of bad images called “pornography”.
- The brain’s reaction to porn.
- Basic definition of “addiction.”
- 6 step “When you see pornography” plan of action.
RESOURCES
Good v. Bad Pictures Infographic
This printable infographic serves as a centerpiece for the discussion between parents and children about the kinds of images that are safe and healthy and the kind that are dangerous. It approaches images in terms of selflessness, modesty, privacy, agency, and family, among others.
6 Steps video
This video is made for kids and is designed to help them and their parents know what to do when the child sees a pornographic image. It establishes a simple, kid-initiated process that will help the child avoid temptation, find safety, and experience the Gospel. This process will help this experience be defined by God’s love instead of shame or lust.
FAQ
Conquerors through Christ recommends Covenant Eyes’ screen accountability software. Parental control content blockers are a good start, but Christian accountability is extremely important in every struggle too. Covenant Eyes helps provide enable that accountability.
Pornography objectifies people and creates unrealistic expectations for sex that are completely void of the intimacy God intends. Pornography can be very addictive. Pornography encourages the abuse of women. The harm of pornography on your child extends beyond a guilty conscience and a damaged understanding of God’s design for sex. Pornography harms self-image and leads to lack of confidence and low self-worth.
Do not overreact. This was going to happen eventually. Nothing is ruined. And your child is normal. It’s not shocking that this is happening, it’s shocking that you didn’t know about it. Now that you do know about it, you can have a conversation about it with your child. Let them know that sex is good, but pornography is not. Let them know what your plan will be going forward. Consider putting a content blocker on the devices your child uses. Let them know they are forgiven and loved.
Conquerors through Christ has produced a Parent Support System to assist and equip parents in teaching their children about God’s gift and design of sexuality. Conquerors through Christ also has Middle School Lessons and a High School Curriculum available.
Probably every age is a fine age to talk to your child about sexuality in age-appropriate ways. Talk to your two-year-old about privacy and differences between boys and girls. As they develop, you can continue teaching them about their body and later about the temptations and threats that exist in the world and can harm our bodies. Sex education is a process, not an event. You are not looking for a time to have one big awkward conversation. You are looking for many opportunities throughout your child’s life to advance the process of teaching them of God’s blessings and intentions for them and their bodies.
If CtC Resources assist you in your efforts to Resist, Reject, or Recover from porn use, please help us continue to create them. Your gift would be a tremendous blessing to our ministry.