Dr. Floyd Godfrey

In recent years, legislative efforts across the United States have intensified to restrict minors’ access to online pornography. As of December 2024, Pornhub, one of the largest adult content websites, announced plans to block access in 13 states due to stringent age-verification laws. This action reflects a broader trend in regulatory efforts aimed at protecting minors from exposure to explicit materials (The Daily Signal, 2024).

Educational Strategies

The primary aim of these age-verification laws is to shield youth from potentially harmful explicit content. States such as Kansas have implemented policies requiring websites to adopt robust age-verification systems if 25% or more of their content is categorized as “harmful to minors” (The Daily Signal, 2024).

While these measures prioritize youth safety, critics express concerns about their effectiveness and unintended consequences. Some argue that such regulations could push users toward less secure platforms lacking any age restrictions, thus heightening risks for minors (The Daily Signal, 2024). Privacy advocates also worry about the erosion of online anonymity as these laws compel the use of personal information to verify age.

The Role of Therapeutic Intervention

From a mental health perspective, early exposure to pornography can lead to cognitive distortions, unhealthy perceptions of sexuality, and increased vulnerability to addiction. Research suggests that therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing these distortions are critical in mitigating the psychological effects on minors. Professionals often focus on fostering healthier coping mechanisms and addressing the shame and stigma associated with problematic pornography use (APA, 2020).

However, the implementation of strict age-verification laws raises new challenges for mental health providers. Adults seeking help for pornography-related issues may experience heightened stigma due to the growing societal scrutiny of the industry. Therapists and coaches must create supportive environments that encourage open conversations without fear of judgment.

Conclusion

The expansion of age-verification laws underscores society’s commitment to protecting minors while simultaneously presenting challenges related to privacy, access, and implementation. To navigate this complexity, policymakers, mental health professionals, and the public must collaborate to ensure policies are evidence-based and effective. With open dialogue and thoughtful solutions, a safer and more equitable digital landscape can be achieved.

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

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Impact of pornography on mental health: Addressing cognitive distortions in therapy. APA Press.

The Daily Signal. (2024, December 27). Pornhub to block access in 13 states as age-verification laws spread. The Daily Signal. https://www.dailysignal.com/2024/12/27/pornhub-to-block-access-in-13-states-as-age-verification-laws-spread/