Addressing Online Pornography

With first exposure to pornography being 11 you don’t want pornographers chatting to your children before you do so make sure you acknowledge the fact that it exists but more importantly why learning from it is a bad idea.

This will help things feel less awkward and will also contextualise the talk as a safety issue which is something that they will be more used to.

• Be clear about what they should do in terms of closing the window, letting you know and talking about it
• Assure them that you won’t be angry and that letting you know is a positive step to help them deal with it and understand the world around them

Be open and create an environment where they feel able to ask tricky questions without feeling like it’s a taboo subject to talk about.

Don’t make them feel bad about wondering what’s out there, instead, explain why you think it’s a bad idea they see it and arm them with age-appropriate information to help them make safer choices online.

Even if they are awkward, you need to be able to help your kids navigate through so, inform yourself and talk often and with confidence.

Statistically speaking most will by the time they are 11.

Being curious is a normal part of growing up and the way you react to kids will impact how they see themselves.