The need for pornographic literacy among adolescents and their parents is growing urgently.

Pornography has become a hot topic of discussion among academics and parents, especially given the rising number of adolescents consuming it. According to a recent study, the average age at which young Americans first view pornography is 12, with an alarming 73 percent of those under 17 having been exposed to this type of content. This reality has led experts like Brian Willoughby, a social scientist at Brigham Young University, to advocate for open conversations and "porn literacy" that enable adolescents to understand the difference between fiction and reality in the sexual realm. Willoughby notes that many parents still resist acknowledging that their children come into contact with pornography. Many attempt to ignore the problem or prohibit its consumption, a strategy that he argues is ineffective in today’s digital age. “You can stick your head in the sand and pretend it doesn’t exist, but you have to have a realistic understanding of what’s happening,” he warns. This pragmatic approach underscores the need to teach adolescents to question the content they consume, highlighting its unrealistic and often violent nature. Online pornography has evolved from the old nude magazines, which left much to the imagination, to a more explicit format that often includes depictions of sexual violence. A recent study revealed that more than half of adolescents who view pornography have been exposed to violent scenes. This type of content can have harmful effects, as it presents a distorted image of sexual relationships and may negatively influence young people's expectations about intimacy. The need for porn literacy has been supported by academic research suggesting that, instead of avoiding the topic, it is vital for adolescents and their parents to discuss what they see in pornography. An article published in January in a prestigious medical journal emphasized the importance of providing an objective analysis of young people's consumption of pornography, as well as strategies to facilitate constructive conversations between adolescents and adults. However, these initiatives have not been without controversy. Clinical psychologist Emily Pluhar, a co-author of the aforementioned article, has faced criticism from those who interpret these proposals as an endorsement of pornography, when in reality their aim is to confront an undeniable reality. “It’s such an uncomfortable topic that no one wants to talk about it. It’s only going to get worse,” warns Pluhar, referring to the urgent need to address this issue in a context where technologies are advancing rapidly. The question of whether pornography is harmful or not remains a subject of debate among researchers. Beata Bothe, a psychologist at the University of Montreal, points out that while there is evidence that some types of pornography can negatively affect sexual well-being, there is no consensus on the overall impact of pornography on the sexual health of all viewers. While some studies suggest that viewing romantic-type pornography may increase sexual satisfaction, others warn that consuming violent pornography may have adverse effects. The increase in pornography consumption has not been accompanied by a rise in sexual activity among adolescents. In fact, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that the number of high school students who have had sexual intercourse has significantly decreased over the past decade. This could suggest that adolescents, despite being exposed to pornography, are choosing to wait longer before engaging in real sexual relationships. Willoughby emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations about sexuality. When speaking with adolescents and parents, he uses clear examples of how pornography distorts reality, such as the normalization of anal sex without considering the pain and consent that may be involved. His intention is not to moralize but to provide young people with the necessary tools for their future relationships to be healthy and consensual. Despite the resistance some parents feel to opening this dialogue, Willoughby insists that it is essential to do so. “Adolescents are going to look at porn, whether you talk to them about it or not,” he says. The key is to have a conversation that not only addresses what they see but also helps them develop a critical understanding of this content. Porn literacy is not just an educational issue; it is a strategy to empower young people. As pornography becomes more accessible and diverse due to technology, the need to educate adolescents about its implications becomes increasingly urgent. If society wants young people to be critical and responsible consumers, it is imperative to initiate frank and open conversations about this topic, which is often considered taboo.