In the past, accessing adult material was a challenge. While magazines were available at newsstands, they were often placed out of reach for children, hidden behind barriers. Television also held its secrets, with pay-per-view charges that sparked parental panic. Unless we stumbled upon an older sibling’s collection or accidentally inserted a mislabeled VHS tape, we were mostly shielded from such content. While it existed, it wasn’t nearly as accessible as it is today.
Now, with the proliferation of electronic devices, children can effortlessly access a vast array of adult material online. As much as we might wish to believe that our own children are immune to this influence — after all, they are perfect little angels — we must confront reality. Children, including yours and mine, naturally explore their curiosity about sex. This curiosity is a normal, healthy part of growing up, similar to other aspects of their development.
While it’s uncomfortable for us to acknowledge, the truth is that we need to engage our kids in conversation about adult material. It’s crucial to start this dialogue early, as even an eight-year-old can quickly search for explicit terms on Google, exposing them to harmful content. Moreover, middle schoolers may already be exchanging explicit images among peers.
I understand — the thought of discussing this topic can feel as awkward as sitting them down for a screening of “Inappropriate Adult Film.” However, our children are indeed sexual beings, and ignoring this reality does not protect them. This conversation is necessary, even if it is filled with “um”s and nervous laughter.
How to Approach This Conversation
Timing