Protecting Families in the Digital Age of Adult Content

Keeping Kids Safe from Porn in 2025 with Parker Hymas of Fight The New Drug

In today's rapidly evolving digital world, parents face new challenges in protecting their children from the dangers lurking online. The Secure Family Podcast, hosted by Andy Murphy, recently featured Parker Hymas, Director of Public Outreach at Fight The New Drug, discussing the significant impact of Internet pornography and how parents can equip themselves and their children to tackle these challenges.

Understanding the Modern Problem of Pornography

Parker Hymas points out that today's internet pornography is unlike anything seen before. It's more accessible, affordable, and anonymous due to the proliferation of smartphones and the Internet. "What is readily available to kids today is not what was printed in a magazine 30, 40, 50, 60 years ago," Hymas notes. This change has turned pornography into an escalating behavior that can negatively impact individuals, their relationships, and society as a whole.

The Impact on Individuals and Relationships

Research shows that pornography can become a habit-forming and escalating behavior, affecting mental health and relationships. Parker explains, "Research shows porn can be habit forming, it can be an escalating behavior, and it can impact the individual consumer's mental health." The consumption of pornography can lead to a decreased interest in real-life relationships, increase the propensity to cheat, and result in dissatisfaction within relationships.

Exposure to Young Minds

A critical area of concern is the exposure of young children to pornographic content. "Many kids are exposed for the first time to pornography because someone else showed it to them when they weren't expecting it," Parker points out. This unsolicited exposure highlights the necessity for ongoing, honest conversations between parents and children about the realities of pornographic content and its accessibility.

Addressing the Issue: Conversations Are Key

One of the most effective ways to combat this issue is through open dialogue. Parker emphasizes the importance of discussing the topic of pornography with children to demystify the concept and equip them to make informed decisions. He advises, "Conversations in conjunction with safe technology is the solution." By combining technology such as filters and parental controls with transparent discussions, parents can create a safer environment for their children.

Understanding the Risks of Platforms Like OnlyFans

Another growing concern is platforms like OnlyFans, where self-exploitation has become alarmingly mainstream. Parker warns, "Young people are so deceived into thinking that they can easily make money on the platform...but they're exploiting themselves for almost nothing." The misconception of quick financial gain leads many youths down a potentially harmful path, as such content can live on indefinitely online.

Building a Shame-Free Zone

When addressing pornography exposure, it's essential to avoid shame. As Parker advises, "There's a difference between guilt and shame...Guilt says this behavior is unhealthy...it doesn't mean I'm a bad person." By fostering an environment free of shame, parents can encourage their children to make better choices without fear of judgment.

A Call to Action for Parents and Communities

The dialogue from The Secure Family Podcast between Andy and Parker is a reminder and call to action for parents and communities to proactively engage in these challenging but essential discussions. By educating ourselves and our children, utilizing available resources, and having ongoing conversations, we can better navigate the digital landscape and safeguard our families against the adverse effects of online pornography.

For more insights and resources, parents are encouraged to visit Fight The New Drug’s website at ftnd.org/parents and continue the conversation with their communities. Through collective efforts, there's hope for creating a more informed and protected environment for future generations.