4 Signs Your Child is Addicted to Pornography

As a parent, you need to know the warning signs that your child may be addicted to pornography. Pornography addiction is practically an epidemic in our country. 

Unfortunately, it’s no longer a question of if your child will see pornography but when. The billion-dollar porn industry touches many aspects of our lives.

It infiltrates movies, libraries, the Internet — everywhere you and your kids will be. 

On average, children now experience porn for the first time at age 11. Teenage boys are the most susceptible to the suggestive messages. 

However, at this young age, all children are vulnerable to addictive nature of these graphic images. That’s why it’s important to have conversations with your children early. 

It’s also crucial for parents to recognize the warning signs that their child might be viewing porn on a daily basis. Below are four signs that your child might need help. 

1. Isolation, Disinterest in Friends and Activities

Pornography addictions have the ability to take once happy and interactive children and turn them into moody and isolated individuals. 

If you’ve noticed that your child no longer wants to spend time with close friends and family, this could be a sign that they are struggling with an addiction. 

Pornography addictions often come with feelings of guilt as well, so your child may begin to avoid talking with you. 

2. Depression or Sudden Changes in Mood

Like all addictions, pornography affects the brain. It reprograms the way children think about others and themselves. 

As a result, you may notice that your child begins to act depressed or suffer mood swings. Some common symptoms are irritability, increased disdain and contempt towards others. 

3. Increased Secrecy

Along with isolation, children struggling with pornography addiction may also withdraw into themselves and share fewer details of their lives. 

They will likely spend long periods of time in the bathroom or shower and be more secretive in general. 

4. Sexual Explicit Language and Drawings

You might also notice that your child knows more about sex than you would expect. 

Children addicted to pornography will often use sexually explicit language and write about or draw sexual themes. The addiction causes sex and bodies to be on their mind much more frequently, and as a result, will infiltrate their actions. 

What to Do if Your Child Is Addicted to Pornography

If you’ve noticed any of these signs or symptoms, it’s possible your child is struggling with a pornography addiction. 

Seek help from your family pediatrician as soon as you see the signs. Pornography addictions are difficult enough for adults to break on their own. You shouldn’t expect your child to be able to escape it on their own. 

Talk with your pediatrician and get some helpful tips that will help your child break the addiction.