God is love and in himself he lives a mystery of personal loving communion. Creating the human race in his own image … God inscribed in the humanity of man and woman the vocation, and thus the capacity and responsibility, of love and communion.”

CCC 2331

Pornography has detrimental effects on psychological health, relationships, and spiritual well-being. It leads to addiction, distorts views on sexuality, and undermines the dignity of individuals. Protecting oneself and one’s family from such content is essential to maintaining moral integrity and fostering healthy, loving relationships. 

The Impact of Pornography

Psychological Effects

Pornography can be addictive, leading to compulsive behavior and significant distress. Regular exposure can lead to desensitization, requiring more extreme content to achieve the same level of arousal. It can also create unrealistic expectations about sex, leading to dissatisfaction in real-life relationships.

Social and Ethical Concerns

The Catholic Church considers pornography a grave sin because it distorts the purpose of human sexuality, which is meant to be expressed within the confines of marriage. Pornography often objectifies individuals, promoting harmful attitudes towards sex and relationships. Many individuals in this industry are exploited, and the industry can perpetuate human trafficking. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2354) explicitly condemns pornography for its exploitation of individuals and its impact on viewers.

Educating the Family & The Role of Parents

Open and frequent communication is essential. Have age-appropriate conversations about the dangers and ethical issues associated with pornography, emphasizing the importance of consent and respectful relationships. This helps in creating an environment where family members can feel comfortable discussing their online experiences without fear of judgment.

Parents should model healthy internet usage and demonstrate respect for human dignity. Stay informed about the latest trends in digital media and continually educate children about the potential dangers and ethical use of technology. Teach children to think critically about the media they consume.

Promote healthy hobbies in your family. Encourage your children to engage in sports, arts, and other fulfilling activities that provide a sense of achievement and well-being. Strengthen your family bonds by investing time in family activities that foster communication and connection, such as game nights, outings, and shared hobbies.

• Quick Start Guide: How to Talk to Kids about Pornography
• Equipped: Smart Catholic Parenting in a Sexualized Culture English | Spanish
• Confident: Helping Parents Navigate Online Exposure English | Spanish
• Connected: How Strong Family Relationships Lead to Internet-Safe Kids English | Spanish

Internet Protection

It is important to practice safe browsing habits. Parents should establish clear rules about internet usage, including when and where devices can be used. Encourage internet use in common areas of the home where supervision is possible. 

Filters and Monitoring Software

• Covenant Eyes
  A well-known accountability and filtering service that helps families monitor internet use and block inappropriate content.
• Net Nanny
  A robust tool that provides real-time filtering, social media protection, and activity reports.
• Qustodio
  A comprehensive tool for monitoring, filtering, and managing screen time across devices.
• Norton Family
  Parenting application suite with web, time, search, video, and app supervision capabilities.
• OurPact
  A wide range of online management supervisory tools to keep children safe not only from intrusive and harmful content on a daily basis.

Addiction and Recovery Support

Additional Resources

Books and Articles

• “Good Pictures Bad Pictures” by Kristen Jenson
  A guide for parents to help children understand the dangers of pornography.
• “The Porn Myth” by Matt Fradd
  Dispels common myths about pornography and offers practical advice for overcoming its influence.
• “Cleansed: A Catholic Guide to Freedom from Porn” by Marcel LeJeune
  A Catholic approach to understanding and overcoming pornography addiction.
• USCCB
  Catholic Church stance on pornography
• USCCB Create in Me a Clean Heart
  A Pastoral Response to Pornography
• USCCB Wash Me Thoroughly
  Healing from Pornography Use and Addiction
• USCCB
  Internet and Pornography
  

Online Resources

• Defend Young Minds
  General resource guide for protecting your home and educating your children on the dangers of pornography.
• Protect Young Eyes
  Provides resources and tools to help parents create safer digital environments for their children.
• Integrity Restored
  Provides education, encouragement, and resources to help break free from pornography.
• Fight the New Drug
  A non-religious platform that educates on the harms of pornography through scientific research and personal stories.
• Common Sense Media
  Offers reviews and recommendations for family-friendly media and internet safety tips.