Struggling with Porn?

The Online Connection Is Real

Pew Research reports that 97% of teens now use the internet daily.

95% of teens have access to smartphones
90% have access to desktop or laptop computers
80% have access to gaming consoles
52% of 15-17-year-olds say they use the internet almost constantly

Your online activities include playing mobile games, watching videos, checking in on social media sites, chatting, and browsing websites. For some of you, that includes porn sites.

Facts About Pornography Viewing

Fight The New Drug has put together some stats for pornography

Pornography is the 3rd-most common form of sex trafficking
The majority of young people are exposed to porn by the time they’re 13.
The Justice Department estimates that 9 out of 10 children (ages 8 to 16) have been exposed to online pornography
Over 46% of young people reported that they saw online porn for the first time when it just “popped up”,and 22% reported that someone else showed it to them when they weren’t expecting it.
Over half of 11 to 16-year-old boys (53%) and over a third of 11 to 16-year-old girls (39%) reportedbelieving that pornography was a realistic depiction of sex

The Truth About Porn

Your first exposure to porn was probably unintentional. A pop-up ad with pornographic content maybe piqued your interest. Or, a friend might have shown you a video on their phone.

According to a 2021 survey, about 55% of teens’ first encounters with pornography were unexpected.

What Is Pornography Addiction?

Any time you can’t stop doing something, even if you want to, it’s an addiction. Pornography addiction is an uncontrollable urge that interferes with school, work, relationships, and other parts of your daily life.

Why You Watch Porn

That same 2021 survey lists these as some reasons teens watch porn:

To learn about sex
Curiosity
Sexual pleasure
Boredom
Irresistible urge
Fantasy

How Porn Affects You

According to The Council On Recovery, pornography addiction can lead to:

Concentration problems lead to a declining performance in school
Low motivation with a decreased interest in school
Depression with less interest in socializing with peers
Social anxiety results in more time spent alone. A survey found that 75% of teens who view porn watch it alone.
Negative self-perceptions in terms of physical appearance and sexual functioning

What About Sexting?

For teens aged 12-17 yrs old, 1 in 4 teens are receiving sexually explicit texts, and at least 1 in 7 say they have shared their own nude photos. Almost half of all people requesting digital nudes are under the age of 18 years old. However, sexters weren’t realizing the photos being sent were also being forwarded to others or posted online.

In Alabama, sexting images of or to a minor falls under child pornography laws and can result in prison time, fines, and your name added to a sex-offender registry because it is a felony.

Are You Struggling With A Porn Addiction?

If you or someone you know is currently struggling with a porn addiction, we can help. Our sexual integrity program can provide the skills needed to overcome. Contact us by calling (251) 947-2111, texting (251) 929-4702, or signing up online for a one-on-one confidential appointment.

We’re here for you.