By Floyd Godfrey, PhD
Understanding the Modern Landscape
Children and teens today are facing a wave of sexual confusion and pressure that no previous generation has encountered. With the click of a button, they are exposed to explicit content that distorts their understanding of intimacy, love, and identity. As Dr. Jim Burns (2025) stated, “There has been a terrible significant pornography escalation: viewing porn, addiction, escalation, desensitization, acting out sexually.”
This pattern is more than a trend, it is a crisis. Repeated exposure to pornography affects a young person’s developing brain, alters emotional responses, and leads to disconnection from healthy relationships. Without intentional support and guidance, youth can easily become stuck in a cycle of secrecy, shame, and compulsive behavior.
Educational Strategies
One of the most powerful tools in shaping sexual integrity is education. Children need safe, ongoing conversations that help them understand their worth, their boundaries, and the beauty of healthy sexuality. As Dr. Burns wisely noted, “Dialogue is always better than monologue in working with youth. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and let them talk.”
When adults create space for honest conversation, they model that it's okay to be vulnerable and curious. This opens the door for deeper trust and healthier decisions. These talks should begin early and evolve over time, adjusting to the child’s age and level of understanding. They must address not only what to avoid, such as pornography and peer pressure, but also what to pursue, respect, consent, emotional safety, and purpose.
Parents, teachers, and mentors play a critical role in these formative years. Children absorb not only the words we say but also how we live our values. The more consistent and present we are, the greater the likelihood that children will embrace those same values as they grow.
The Role of Therapeutic and Coaching Interventions
Despite our best efforts, many youth will still face struggles with sexual behavior, especially if they’ve been exposed to abuse or harmful content. In these cases, it is essential to respond with compassion and support. As Dr. Burns (2025) emphasizes, “Sexual abuse: Always lead with empathy. It’s not their fault, even though they blame themselves sometimes. Do not suffer in silence; seek help. Give them hope.”
Coaching and therapy can provide a safe place for healing. These interventions focus on restoring a sense of identity, helping youth regulate emotions, and teaching them how to build healthy relationships. Whether through individual sessions, family involvement, or support groups, recovery becomes possible when youth feel heard, seen, and believed.
Professionals should approach each child with sensitivity to their unique experiences and personality. Healing is rarely linear; it takes time, patience, and a willingness to revisit the same issues as the child grows. The support of a trusted adult can make all the difference.
Moving Forward with Patience and Prayer
Dr. Burns reminds us that “This generation is different than any previous generation. Be patient and don’t rush it. Pray for your kids and this generation.” His advice could not be more relevant. Patience is one of the most underutilized tools in parenting and mentoring, especially in the face of cultural urgency.
Instead of reacting in fear or frustration, we can respond with grace. Our job is not to fix every mistake but to walk alongside our children as they learn and grow. Hope is a powerful foundation for lasting change. When young people know that love and support are constant, even in failure, they are more likely to heal, grow, and live with integrity.
Floyd Godfrey, PhD is a Clinical Sexologist and a Certified Sex Addiction Specialist Supervisor. 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
Reference
Burns, J. (2025, September). Helping children & youth navigate healthy sexual integrity. AACC 2025 Track Lecture. Nashville; Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
