Episode 56: Rising Sexual Crimes Among Youth — What Parents Can Do
A recent report that should concern any parent noted that more youth aged 19 and below committed sexual crimes in 2023, 470 to be exact, about 30 per cent more than in 2022.
One of the main reasons cited was their exposure to pornography. According to experts, research has shown that teens who view pornography are likely to experience greater emotional and behavioural problems, earlier sexual experimentation, greater sexual permissiveness, greater objectification of women, and higher risk of sexual aggression.
It is indeed an urgent call for parents to see what we can do to protect our kids from becoming abusers or abused. Here are some points as to what we can do to help our children in this area.
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A recent report noted that more youth aged 19 and below committed sexual crimes in 2023, 470 to be exact, about 30 per cent more than in 2022.[i]
One of the main reasons cited was their exposure to pornography. While surveys have reported that the average age of exposure to pornography is between 10 to 12 years old, there have been cases whereby children as young as 7 years of age have not been spared.
According to experts, research has consistently shown that viewing porn leads to changes in attitudes toward relationships and inability to enact healthy relationships. For example, porn consumption has been linked with increased difficulties in intimate relationships, more permissive attitudes toward premarital and extramarital sex, and thus higher rates of infidelity, among others.
Pornography also tends to lead to increased verbal and sexual aggression, and therefore actual increased risk of sexual offending.
As for teens who view pornography, research has shown that they are likely to experience greater emotional and behavioural problems, earlier sexual experimentation, greater sexual permissiveness, greater objectification of women, and higher risk of sexual aggression.
Parents, this is a wake-up call and we need to respond. We must!
First of all, build a strong bond with our children;
Two, show and teach them respect and love for others, from as early as possible.
Three, set up filters and accountability software in our homes and devices.
Four, create a home environment that promotes open, honest and warm communication
Five. From very early childhood, encourage our children to let us know if they feel they have been touched or spoken to in an inappropriate manner, or shown pornographic materials. This can only happen when our channel of communication with them is open, honest and supportive, and they feel safe sharing with us.
Six. Collaborate with your children’s schools, speak with their teachers and principal, to create and implement clear guidelines in the appropriate use of devices in school.
Finally, but not least, pray, pray, pray for our children, and be good role models for them too in this area of chastity.
[i] “Over 470 youth arrested for sexual crimes in 2023; offenders’ exposure to porn cited as a reason”, The Straits Times, 16 April 2024.