1. Unplugging Pornography – Equipping Parents and Teachers Fight the New Drug, and Helping Students Stay Pure
Alina Dumitrescu, PhD

2. Definition
Pornography can be defined as sexually explicit text, pictures, videos, and audio materials designed, produced and distributed for the purpose of sexual enticement, excitement and gratification (Hinman, ).

3. Statistics
4.2 million pornographic websites (12% of all websites in the world)
Every day, there are 68 million search engine requests for pornographic material (25% of all search engine requests)
Every second 28,258 users are watching pornography on the internet
64% of men and 41% of women admit to openly watching pornography
27% of Christian men and 6% of Christian women watch pornography at least twice a month
57% of pastors & 64% of youth pastors admit to have struggled with porn either currently/in the past
Pornography use increases the marital infidelity rate by more than 300%
Average age of first internet exposure to pornography is 10 and less
Primary pornography consumer group is boys between the ages 12-18

5. Who is at risk? Adolescent children (as young as 11 years of age)
Males
College Students
Children/youth that were raised in Christian families with ultra-authoritarian tendencies
People with low self-esteem, severely distorted body image, prior sexual dysfunction

6. Risk factors for college students
Free and unlimited internet access
Freedom from parental interference/control
Escapism
Social intimidation/alienation and need for intimacy

7. Consequences of viewing pornography
Decrease in gray matter
Increased violence
Erectile dysfunction in males
Feelings of physical inferiority in women
Depression
More likely to engage in delinquent and high-risk sexual behaviors
High risk of divorce
Loss of jobs
Involvement in child pornography and sex trafficking

10. Suggestions for family and school personnel
Be proactive
Teach character education and media literacy
Keep calm but be firm and gentle
Teach about God’s plan for intimacy and wholeness
Teach reverence for the human body and respect for others’ feelings and needs
Love the child/teen/young person, hate the sin
Equip and train teachers and parents
Refer

11. Software Blocks/Filters
Software blockers:
Net Nanny
K9 Web Protection
WebWatcher
App for smartphones, iPod Touch and iPad:
Covenant Eyes

12. Resources for young people
Good pictures bad pictures: porn proofing today’s young kids, by Kristen A. Jenson & Gail Poyner
Breaking the silence: a pastor goes public about his battle with pornography, by Bernie Anderson
Every young man’s battle – strategies for victory in the real world or sexual temptation, by Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker
Every young woman’s battle – guarding your mind, heart and body in a sex saturated world, by Shannon Ethridge & Stephen, Arterburn
The seven habits of highly effective teens, by Sean Covey
The 6 most important decisions you’ll ever make: a guide for teens updated for the digital age, by Sean Covey

13. Resources for educators and parents
Books:
The impact of pornography on children, youth and culture, by Cordelia Anderson
The porn trap: the essential guide to overcoming problems caused by pornography, by Wendy & Larry Maltz
Treating pornography addiction: the essential tools for recovery, by Kevin B. Skinner
Wired for intimacy: how pornography hijacks the male brain, by William Struthers

14. Resources for educators and parents
Articles:
Archer, C. Austin. Biological aspects of addictive behavior. Journal of Adventist Education, April/May 2016, pp
Hinman, Brad. No more secrets: talking with children and young adults about pornography. Journal of Adventist Education, April/May 2016, pp
Melgosa, Julian. Understanding behavioral addictions. Journal of Adventist Education, April/May 2016, pp. 4-7.
Movies:
Fireproof