Who's Doing What?

With all the dangers of Pornography all around us one might ask, what is being done about it?

The answer.... there's always more to do! While completely banning pornography becomes a fight for First Amendment rights, protecting our children and youth from the destructive effects of pornography is within all of our rights!

There are three main players in fighting against Pornography, Fight the New Drug, National Center on Sexual Exploitation, and Citizens for Decency. All three of these organizations are doing everything they can to fight against pornography. They have great resources and up to date information on what is being done to fight pornography as well as the success stories they have had. It would be good if we could all in some way get involved in one of these great organizations and volunteer some of our time to fight against Pornography. 

The Biggest victories that we have seen so far is that this summer The Republican National Committee has recognized that pornography is a national health crisis! We need the Democratic National Committee to do the same!

McDonald's and Starbucks, in partnering with Enough is Enough, to filter their public WiFi to prevent access to pornography.

Idaho State Law, now requires child-friendly Internet filters in all Idaho public schools and a yearly, mandatory, Internet safety education component for both students and teachers.

All Idaho public libraries to have Internet filters to protect children from accessing pornography.

And on March 11, 2016 in Utah, they passed a resolution declaring pornography as a public health crisis. Check it out here: Concurrent Resolution on the Public Health Crisis.

These movements have proved helpful, but so much more needs to be done. Parents should not have to worry that the children will stumble across porn with a mistyped word while googling something, or stumble across and inappropriate picture when looking for something in Google Images. More needs to be done! Our kids have a right to be protected!  More can be done with our help! Let's get involved and help protect our children and our families!

Pictures from http://www.clipartkid.com/question-mark-cliparts/

"We Don't Have Secrets"

Parents, it is so important to foster open communication with your children, especially when it comes to pornography. Help your children feel comfortable to talk to you about this subject by spending time with them frequently, strengthening your relationship with them, engaging in open conversation with them regularly and being approachable, kind and loving. If your children are afraid that they will get in trouble if they tell you they encountered pornography or that you will judge them harshly, they will not approach you and tell you.

Avoiding pornography and the dangers of pornography should be a constant conversation between you and your children. The more you talk about it with them in a loving manner, the more open they will be with you and the more comfortable they will feel to approach you.

Teach your children that families don’t keep secrets from each other. Families, talk to each other, confide in each other and help each other. Establish that in you family, you don’t have secrets. You have open communication and loving relationships.

Open Door Policy

Here’s an idea to help everyone in your family avoid doing or seeing something naughty on the computer: have an open door policy. An open door policy means that no doors are shut in your house. This works great for a family with young kids. When doors are open, it’s less likely that someone will get up to no good, and if they do, you as parents will be aware.

Your Child Will Encounter Pornography

Nowadays, it is pretty inevitable that every child will encounter some form of pornography. You, as parents have to realize and accept that if your child hasn’t already, they will encounter some form of pornography. I was having a chat with my Aunt the other day, who has 7 kids, and she shared with me how she has recently come to the realization that most of her kids have encountered some kind of pornography by accident, whether it was from the internet in a pop-up add or an e-mail.

So what can you do?

You have to talk to your children. You have to teach them what pornography is, why it is bad, how they can avoid it and how they can resist the temptation. You have to also remember, that you are not a horrible parent if your child encounters pornography. The best you can do is teach them how to defend themselves against pornography.

What's the Big Deal About Pornography?

Parents here is another great Resource for you to add to your bookshelf when teaching your children about the dangers of Pornography. What's the Big Deal about Pornography by Dr. Jill Manning does an excellent job of laying the facts out as to why Pornography is so bad. This book is specifically designed for teens to read as she addresses all kinds of questions and concerns when it comes to Pornography. One reader wrote, "Well written in a question/answer format that is "user friendly". A wealth of information for youth to read directly, as well as their parents. Ant adult will be well informed & armed with solid strategy & clarity to deal with a most damaging issue of our day." Pick up your copy today! 

Mobile Devices are the Biggest Culprit

image source: wirefly.com

Many children, youth, and adults are innocently exposed to pornography, but a growing number of both men and women are choosing to view it and are drawn back repeatedly until it becomes an addiction. These individuals may desire with all of their hearts to get out of this trap but often cannot overcome it on their own. How grateful we are when these loved ones choose to confide in us as parents or a leader. We would be wise not to react with shock, anger, or rejection, which may cause them to be silent again.

We as parents and leaders need to counsel with our children and youth on an ongoing basis, listening with love and understanding. They need to know the dangers of pornography and how it overtakes lives, causing loss of the [self-worth], distorted feelings, deceit, damaged relationships, loss of self-control, and nearly total consumption of time, thought, and energy.

Pornography is more vile, evil, and graphic than ever before. As we counsel with our children, together we can create a family plan with standards and boundaries, being proactive to protect our homes with filters on electronic devices. Parents, are we aware that mobile devices with Internet capacity, not computers, are the biggest culprit?

from a talk given by Linda S. Reeves

5 Top Questions About Teaching Children and Teens

image source: http://blog.commlabindia.com

1. What if talking about pornography makes my child curious and they go look for it?

2. What age is the right time to start talking about pornography with my kids?

3. How do I start a conversation about pornography?

4. What are the most important things for our family to do to prevent pornography problems?

5. How can parental controls help our family?

For help to answer these question: CLICK HERE

Filtering

For years, Hollywood has put up a fight with any company that tries to allow families to filter movies. Company after company has failed because they have been unsuccessful in this fight. A new company called VidAngel provides an easy-to use and very efficient filter service that allows families to choose what they want and do not want their children to see and hear in movies. They are now finding themselves in this fight with Hollywood. Below is a video clip that explains why their service is legal, what is happening between filtering companies and Hollywood, and why it is important that we support VidAngel in order to save filtering.

If VidAngel is unsuccessful in this fight against Hollywood, this could very well be the end of filtering. This would mean that you would not be capable of filtering out pornographic images or bad languages from any movies in your own home.

Here is what you can do:

1. Support VidAngel by giving them your business.
2. Go to this website and sign the petition.
3. Spread the word.

Just This Year

Just this year, in the state of Utah, a resolution was written declaring pornography to be a public health crisis. The resolution recognizes the dangers of pornography and allows for the state of Utah to set money aside to combat the threat of pornography. Success!!

Check it out: Concurrent Resolution on the Public Health Crisis

We are the First Generation...

Replacing the Habit

What happens if we discover our children have watched Porn? Educate and Empower Kids provides great ideas to replace the habit. They include:

• Physical Activity
• Remove Triggers
• Socialize
• Reconnect with Old Interests

For the full story and ideas click here!

Think They Haven't Seen It?

Educate and Empower Kids released this video... It is eye opening. Think your kids haven't seen porn? Perhaps we need to think again! It is time to step up and protect them! What can we do to change this revolution? Comment below what you are going to do!

You can find this video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbSjXa9ZS6M&feature=youtu.be

People are Speaking Out! Be a Voice!

Pamela Anderson is speaking out, saying, "Porn is a Public Hazard." She goes on to say,  "Simply put, we must educate ourselves and our children to understand that porn is for losers—a boring, wasteful and dead-end outlet for people too lazy to reap the ample rewards of healthy sexuality.”

Read the whole article here!

Built In Solutions

If you aren't familiar with End Sexual Exploitation yet, you need to be! They have a wealth of information right at our fingertips to protect our kids! Today I want to share with you about built in solutions when it comes to devices in your home.
End Sexual Exploitation gives you step by step instructions to instal Safe Search on Google and Bing. Click here to find out how!
They also teach us how to add filters to our Wii, Playstation and Xbox by clicking here!

Thank you End Sexual Exploitation for helping protect our kids!

Photo credit http://obsoletegamer.com/what-are-the-best-selling-video-game-consoles-of-all-time/
Information from End Sexual Exploitation http://endsexualexploitation.org/resources-parents/

Take it Down! or at least Complain About it!

Throughout the country, except in a few states, we have billboards lining the roads we drive on. Ed McMahon says,“Billboards are the only form of advertising you can’t turn off." and he is certainly right. Aren't these the ones we wish we could turn off the most? I cannot tell you how many times I have been driving with my kids and I cringe as we pass by some of these billboards that spark things in the brain that you should not see on a sign. I mean what parent needs to explain to their kids what adult shops are, brothels, strip clubs, condoms, and an array of other inappropriate things. So what can we do about it? According to GOOD this is what we can do about it! For the full story click here. 

Get the facts

 

Find a copy of your local sign ordinance and familiarize yourself with the laws controlling billboards in your area. You may find that some of your local billboards are already illegal. If that’s the case, take pictures, go to the regulating agency, and make your case.

Team up with a group that cares about your issue

Find a neighborhood association, environmental preservation group, or local architects’ association. As a group, lobby your state or local government to ban the construction of new billboards.

Bargain

 

Encourage the entity that regulates billboards to negotiate with outdoor advertising companies. Suggest that companies be required to take down a certain number of old billboards on secondary roads before being allowed to put up a new one on a main road, or remove 10 traditional billboards for each new digital billboard installed.

Buy ’em out

 

The federal government makes “Transportation Enhancements” funds available for highway projects, including the purchase of billboards in order to remove them permanently. Local governments may apply for funds in partnership with nonprofit or community groups. See enhancements.org for details.

Embrace a challenge

 

Getting rid of billboards can be difficult. “The outdoor advertising industry is well organized and experienced in fighting regulation on every level,” says McMahon. But groups like SCRUB in Philadelphia and Scenic Texas have won significant victories in their areas—proof positive that success is possible. 

Tell us about what you hope to remove and how it goes! Each small victory is a win to protect children from the dangers of pornography. 

Information acquired from https://www.good.is/articles/get-a-billboard-taken-down-or-at-least-complain-about-one

Picture from http://www.istockphoto.com/photos/billboard?excludenudity=true&sort=best&mediatype=photography&phrase=billboard

How To Pass a Child-Appropriate Resolution in Your Neck of the Woods!

image source: http://obrag.org/?attachment_id=48422

To establish a community standard in your city, a citizen needs to present a child-appropriate resolution at his or her city council meeting. This resolution can be used to encourage all businesses, schools, and public and private institutions to adopt and uphold a child-appropriate standard. The resolution is a policy statement which shows that your city supports a child-appropriate standard, which includes family-friendly shopping, child-appropriate advertising, and the removal of explicit materials. It can be a powerful force to help citizens and families create and maintain a community standard which protects children

Suggestions for preparing and presenting a resolution:

1. To begin, contact a member of your city council or your mayor and ask him or her to help you sponsor a resolution. As a citizen in your city, you have the right and responsibility to encourage the protection of children in your community by passing a child-appropriate resolution.

2. You may write a resolution for your city yourself or rewrite your favorite resolution, inserting the name of your city. It is helpful to provide copies of one or two other city resolutions, including one from a neighboring city. Present copies of these resolutions to each member of the city council, the mayor, the city attorney, and city recorder before you speak or before the meeting begins.

3. Arrive early for your city council meeting, if possible, and sign up on the agenda as a speaker. Keep your presentation simple and short. Most cities allow about three minutes for a citizen to address the council.

4. Explain that you are grateful for the opportunity to address your city council members. Tell them you appreciate the service they render and that you believe that they want their city to do what it best for its children. Explain that you are introducing a child-appropriate resolution which will help them do that.

5. Stick to the issues. Don't talk about legal matters or lecture on pornography. In fact, don't ever refer to pornography. You are presenting a child-appropriate resolution . That is your sole focus. You want your city council members to pass a child-appropriate resolution for your city. You want the businesses, schools, public and private institutions to protect children in your city and be family-friendly. Define child-appropriate at those things that are appropriate for the eyes of a six-year old child.

6. Tell them you believe that children in your city should have the opportunity to grow up in a
community where they are not exposed to inappropriate images. Explain that a number of cities have already passed child-appropriate resolutions (17 right now in the state of Utah). Emphasize that your city resolution will not hurt businesses in any way. In fact, it will help businesses, for parents will want to patronize stores, businesses, and institutions which are family-friendly.

7. Thank the city council members for their help. Let them know you appreciate all they are doing to make your city a safe place for children.

8. If any questions are raised, stay positive. Avoid presenting legal arguments and precedents. Remind them that the child-appropriate resolution is a powerful tool to protect the children and families in your communities. You may remind them that none of the cities which have passed resolutions have had legal problems once the resolution was passed.

9. After the resolution is passed, call your city council members and thank them. Encourage them to give a copy of the resolution to all businesses in your city to educate them about the importance of maintaining standards which are appropriate for children.

10. Share this with one person you know.

(original from HERE)

Why Parents Matter!

Your role as a parent matters! The Marri Research Institute recently conducted a study of 1300 eight to thirteen year old girls and in that study found that those who were engaged in "cybersex" 95% of their parents had no idea. In fact in the same study they found that kids whose Internet usage was not monitored by their parents they were 3x more likely to seek out pornography websites. These same adolescence were more likely to give their attachment to their parents a poor rating.

So parents now is the time! Step up, get involved, have family dinners, take your kids out for ice cream. Let your kids know you care and are there for them! When you have a great relationship with your kids they are more likely to open up with you and communicate about important topics like struggles with pornography.

Research from http://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF12D43.pdf
Photo credit http://www.jeffyalden.com/7-tips-for-parents-raising-teenagers/

When Kids Notice Magazine Covers

image source: http://www.charlotteparent.com

Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family, wrote THIS article about how to talk with children who notice (or pretend not to notice) indecent magazine covers at the grocery store. In his article he quotes Joann Condie,

"Lay the groundwork early, teaching them that God’s plan is good and pure and wonderful. This way you’re the one giving them their first impression about sex and their bodies. You don’t want them to glean a negative message from their friends or TV."

Focus on the Family provides a great resource if you need help in having "THE TALK" with your kids.

One Person Can Make A Difference

image source: http://pastorkylehuber.com/?p=6479

article written by JoAnn Hamilton
Entire article posted at: Net Nanny

I heard depressing statistics regarding early exposure to inappropriate material that most of our children have experienced, many before the age of ten. I learned that when exposure occurs in those impressionable years, there is a higher likelihood for addiction later on. The easy availability of pornography on the Internet-both accidental and intentional-has obviously had a huge impact; but Phil Burress, president of Citizens for Community Values, believes that the first exposure often comes in the checkout lanes of grocery stores.

Sellers of pornography, and many in the movie and magazine industries, [are] united in their efforts to get our children involved in pornography because they know that if they can hook a child early, they create a greater need for their product, and thus, of course, more money for themselves. And children are not the only targets. These porn distributors have also wisely targeted women. While you're in the grocery store, take a glance at the many women's magazines (even the well-established ones) that have gone from being either family- or beauty-oriented to becoming extremely sexually explicit, both on the covers as well as the contents. When the mothers buy the magazines, they take them into the home, easily within reach of their children.

What can we do?

The owner of [one of my local] grocery stores said to me: "If six to eight people make the same request in a two-week period of time, I make a change in my store." 

That's the key. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors. Get them each to make just one call.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Start with stores that a locally owned. Use the words, "inappropriate for children." Never say the word "pornography" because there are massive debates about what is pornography. But everyone seems to know what is "inappropriate for children."

2. Approach the service desk with your request. It doesn't really matter if the store manager is there or not. Just simply say, "Would you please cover magazines that are inappropriate for children?" That's all you need to say.

3. If you find it hard to do this, write your request on the back of your sales slip: "Please cover magazines and images that are inappropriate for children," and hand it to someone at the service desk.

4. Get your friends and family to do the same. One time I made a request at the service desk. Then I went home and called. (That made me two people.) Then my daughter went in. This is NOT hard to do.

5. If there are already covers on inappropriate magazines, be sure to acknowledge the store's efforts by going to the service desk and saying thanks. It is inconvenient for stores to make these adjustments, but when customers notice, it gives the store managers more reason to keep the covers on.

You can be the ONE person who makes a difference.

Modern Science

"Modern science allows us to understand that the underlying nature of an addiction to pornography is chemically nearly identical to a heroin addiction.” 

-Dr. Jeffrey Satinover

We would do everything we could to protect our children from trying heroin, are we doing everything we can to protect them from Pornography?

Check out our post on 5 ways to help kids fight the fight!

5 Ways to Help Kids Fight the Fight!

image source: skitterphoto.com

1. Don’t Abandon the Outer Defenses
The first strategy is a familiar one: protect children from encountering pornography for as long as possible. There are many internet filters out there. You may even need two or three. Some are free. Many are not. K9 Web Protection is a free service and can block times as well as specific URL's.

2. Replace Myth With Truth
 It’s not enough to simply label pornography as bad; parents also need to teach their children what is good. Children need to know what the role of love in marriage is and how to foster that love to prepare for marriage.

3. Diagnose a Problem Correctly
There is a lot of curiosity and porn is everywhere so be very careful no to label your child or teenager an addict just because he/she has involvement with pornography. Parents can ask these questions: How long has it been going on? How often do you view it? How are you accessing it? Have a conversation with your kids, not a lecture.

4. Teach Emotional Management
Pornography triggers feel-good emotions in the brain kids often turn to it to cope with negative emotions. Parents can teach "tried-and-true" stress-management techniques that can help their child: writing, talking, listening to uplifting music, exercising, reading a book, or engaging in spiritual activities.

5. Practice Developmental Patience
Adolescent brains are still developing. Getting involved with pornography can lead to extreme guilt and depression. Parents, be hopeful! Teach your children about the maturation process. Teach them they can change! Teach them there is light and hope and that tomorrow is a new day.


Read the entire article HERE.

Why is Children Viewing Pornography so Bad?

According to Covenant Eyes, there are many effects that have been documented when children or adolescents are exposed to Pornography. They include:

•   Lasting negative or traumatic emotional responses.
• –  
• Earlier onset of first sexual intercourse, increasing the risk of STDs over the lifespan.
• –  
• The belief that superior sexual satisfaction is attainable without having affection for one’s partner, thereby reinforcing the commoditization of sex and the objecti cation of humans.
• – 
•  The belief that being married or having a family are unattractive prospects.
• –  
• Increased risk for developing sexual compulsions and addictive behavior.
• –  
• Increased risk of exposure to incorrect information about human sexuality long before a minor is able to contextualize this information in ways an adult brain could.
• –  
• Overestimating the prevalence of less common practices (e.g., group sex, bestiality, or sadomasochistic activity). 

Stats and Information from Covenant Eyes

Photo Credit: http://www.skipprichard.com/a-one-word-question-to-improve-results/

Love Kills Porn

One of my good friends, Celine is awesome! I have known her since she was about 12 years old and at that point I knew she would change the world one day! Celine knew the dangers of pornography and knew how easy it could be to look at it so, she created this documentary for those who have suffered or have loved ones who have suffered... With over 11,000 views in a year it is worth the watch to know that Love Kills Porn!

You can find this video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_-Ctd_pbe4

Time to Speak Out!

It is time to not be silent! 

It is our time to speak out! Get Involved and share the message that Porn Harms! We challenge you to get on social Media and share the message that Porn is harming our teens and kids! Use #PORNHARMS. JOIN THE FIGHT to end pornography!

Photo Credit: http://duckducttape.deviantart.com/art/Duct-Tape-Mouth-Club-Vol-11-350611593

Did You Know?

In 2012, Tru Research conducted a survey with 2,017  online teens (13-17) and

71% of teens said
They have done something to hide what they do online from their parents (cleaning browsing history, minimize browsers when parent's walk into the room, delete inappropriate videos, lie about their online behavior, block parents with social media settings, use private browsers, disable parent controls, or have unknown email and social media accounts.

There is Help!
Dr. Patricia M. Greenfield said, “A warm and communicative parent–child relationship is the most important factor [in reducing porn use among children]. In addition, open parent–child channels for communicating about sexual and media experiences, sex education at home or school, and parental participation with children on the Internet are constructive influences. Finally, for boys already at risk for antisocial behavior, parents should carefully monitor and severely limit access to pornography on file-sharing networks and elsewhere.” 

Photo credit: http://familybootcamp.org/teen-internet-addiction/
Stats from Covenant Eyes

What are your Kid's Doing on their Smart Devices?

Mobile porn is becoming a big industry. Did you know back in 2006 adult queries was the most popular category to search for? 1 in 5 of all searches done on a smart device was for pornography. In fact in 2012 43.8% of the adult industry executives believed that mobile devices would become the primary source for viewing pornography. Juniper Research indicates that by 2017 1/4 billion people will access adult content on their smart devices. What are we doing to protect our kids from falling victim to Mobile Porn?

Now, we are not suggesting kids are looking at inappropriate content on these devices, but we want you to be aware that it is out there. Be safe while your kids are on devices. Set up household rules while kids are viewing content on the Internet. A great rule we have in our house is that if you are on the Internet or You Tube you need to be in the Living Room, that way you are out in the open with nothing to hide. What rules do you have in your home for Internet safety with kids and teens?

Stats retrieved from http://www.covenanteyes.com/pornography-facts-and-statistics/
Picture credit http://www.spyappsiphone.com/how-to-spy-on-your-kids-iphone/

Good Pictures Bad Pictures

It is hard to talk to your kids about pornography. We want to provide as many resources as we can to give you the tools to be successful! Kristen Jenson, MA and Dr. Gail Poyner have created a great resource for parents when it comes to talking to your kids! "Good Pictures Bad Pictures is a comfortable, read-aloud story about a mom and dad who teach their child what pornography is, why it’s dangerous, and how to reject it (Good Pictures Bad Pictures)."

This belongs in all of our homes to help us teach our children about the dangers of Pornography. For more information or to purchase your copy go to Good Pictures Bad Pictures Website. 

What is White Ribbon Week?

Much like Red Ribbon Week, where elementary children are made aware of dangers of alcohol and drugs, White Ribbon Week is a school program that helps children make healthy choices in media and technology.

If your school isn't currently implementing White Ribbon Week, here is what you can do to get involved:

1. Talk to your Principal and/or PTO President

Schedule a visit and share your concern to protect and empower kids. White Ribbon Week not only protects kids from harmful media, but helps them become confident in using technology in positive ways. It’s completely age appropriate and completely fun for kids.

2. Establish a date and a budget

Many states have a designated Internet Safety Month. However, you and your PTA/PTO president may choose any week that works well for your school calendar. Together, determine a budget. Funds are used to make copies, purchase optional supplemental materials for your theme, lunchtime rewards, Parent meeting/breakfast and Brain Center treats.

3. Enlist a few helpers

As part of your school registration, or “Back to School” night, encourage parents to volunteer! While some parents might feel unqualified to teach Internet Safety, you can often enlist more volunteers by saying, “Please help with our Media Literacy Week!” White Ribbon Week is all about teaching kids to evaluate media and technology and make smart choices online. Every parent is qualified. While more volunteers make it even easier, you can pull off a successful White Ribbon Week with as few as 2-3 volunteers.

4. Check the Checklist

Each theme of White Ribbon Week includes a step-by-step checklist. This is provided by whiteribbonweek.org. Delegate responsibilities from the checklist to your committee and you’re on your way!

If you haven't already visited the website, CLICK HERE to get your children and/or your neighborhood school excited about making healthy choices in media and technology. 

The U.S. Department of Justice said...

Source credit Covenant Eyes

How to Help Kids Understand...

Pornography is everywhere and sadly we have to teach our children about it younger than ever before. What do we say to them? What do we tell them to do if they see pornography? Well, lucky for us the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has come up with a video to help our children know what to do if they see pornography or something inappropriate!

For more information visit https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-08-001-what-should-i-do-when-i-see-pornography?lang=eng