By Floyd Godfrey, PhD

The Alarming Rise of Pornography Use Among Teens

In today’s digital culture, exposure to pornography is occurring at increasingly younger ages, with concerning consequences for adolescent development. A recent report from Common Sense Media surveyed 1,358 teens between the ages of 13 and 17 and found that 73% had viewed pornography, with nearly a third (31%) admitting they had done so during in-person school hours (Mann, 2023, p. 5). These numbers indicate a significant shift in accessibility, normalization, and frequency of exposure among teens, raising red flags for clinicians, educators, and parents alike.

Professionals such as Dr. Patrick Carnes have long emphasized the addictive potential of pornography, particularly when early exposure interferes with the natural development of sexual identity. As teens increasingly use pornography to explore curiosity or cope with emotional stress, they may unknowingly develop neurological pathways associated with compulsive behaviors, often before they have the maturity to process what they’re viewing. According to the same report, many teens say they want to talk with a trusted adult about what they’re seeing, yet less than half (43%) have done so (Mann, 2023, p. 19, 23).

Psychological Impact and Educational Interventions

Exposure to explicit content during critical stages of neurological and emotional development can impair healthy sexual, relational, and emotional functioning. As I’ve witnessed in my office, adolescents who regularly engage with pornography are more likely to experience distorted sexual expectations, body image issues, and diminished emotional intimacy. These risks are compounded when teens consume pornography in isolation, without guidance or context from trusted adults.

Despite this, the Common Sense Media report offers a glimmer of hope. Of those who had spoken with a trusted adult, 51% reported that the conversation encouraged them to consider healthier ways to explore sexuality (Mann, 2023, p. 23). This highlights the importance of proactive educational strategies. Churches, youth programs, and families can begin implementing age-appropriate conversations and curriculum that fosters healthy discussions about digital media, sexuality, and relationships. Providing accurate information alongside empathy and emotional safety can prevent teens from relying on porn as a source of sexual information.

Therapeutic and Coaching Interventions

Therapeutic support is critical for teens struggling with compulsive pornography use or those confused about what they are consuming. Clinical models developed by experts such as Mark Laaser focus on helping clients understand the emotional and psychological triggers that drive their behavior. Adolescents benefit most when therapy incorporates trauma-informed care, family systems theory, and emotional regulation skills.

Mental health coaches and certified sex addiction specialists can also provide complementary support by teaching practical strategies such as accountability tracking, digital boundary setting, and developing emotional literacy. By intervening early, professionals can help adolescents build resilience and redirect their sexual development in a healthier direction.

Encouragement and Forward Hope

The data surrounding teen pornography use is undeniably concerning, but it also opens the door for meaningful conversations and effective interventions. Teens are not only consuming pornography at alarming rates, they are also asking for guidance. The opportunity exists to step in with compassion, education, and therapeutic tools that can prevent long-term harm and promote holistic healing.

With appropriate strategies, support systems, and trusted guidance, adolescents can develop a healthy understanding of sexuality that fosters connection rather than isolation. This is a critical moment for mental health professionals, parents, churches and educators to respond.

Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Clinical Sexologist and a Certified Sex Addiction Specialist. He has been guiding clients since 2000 and currently speaks and provides consulting and mental health coaching across the globe. To learn more about Floyd Godfrey, PhD please visit his website: www.FloydGodfrey.com.

References

Mann, S. (2023, January 10). New report reveals truths about how teens engage with pornography. Common Sense Media.