Exposure to Pornography

What’s the risk?

Children and teens can be exposed to pornography accidentally or through friends, links, pop-ups, or social media. Porn often shows unrealistic, aggressive, or harmful ideas about sex, bodies, and relationships. For young people, this can create confusion, pressure to copy what they see, or unsafe expectations about consent and intimacy.

How to talk about it

Acknowledge that pornography exists and that many young people come across it—even when they’re not looking for it. Ask what they’ve seen or heard about it, and listen without reacting strongly. Explain that porn is not real life and does not show healthy or respectful relationships. Let them know they can come to you if they see something upsetting or confusing, and talk about ways to avoid or block harmful content online.

Your teen can learn more about the dangers of pornography here.