Dear Parents,

I wanted to share with you some thoughts about the internet and specifically pornography and your teens.   I read these articles and much of my statistics come from them.  I encourage you to read them link here and here .  This is an uncomfortable topic but sadly a necessary one.  I wanted to give you three things I want you to know to go along with the articles.

1. Your Teen will more than likely be exposed to sexually graphic images intentionally or not.  93% of teens are connected to the internet. One study found that 43% ages 10-17 found seen sexual images and 66% of those were  unintentional.  I know just from having an iphone an using apps how ads will just pop up. This is an uncomfortable reality we have to face.
2. You have power.  It can be very overwhelming raising a teen in today’s culture.  Just looking at the statistics you may be overwhelmed.  Just remember you have power.  Now you may not have the power to shield them from everything but you do have power that can much more helpful for them.  That power is the power of TALK.  I know it may be uncomfortable for you and your teen but it is necessary.  I encourage you to build a relationship with your teen where your teen believes they can trust you.  Where you respond versus react.  If you just react to the situation then they won’t want to talk to you about it.
3. I have your back.  Just know that I pray for all my parents in my prayer time.  I think the position you are in is very difficult sometimes.  If you ever need to talk or want to discuss with me how to discuss this with your teen I am here for you.  I want to do everything I can to help and encourage you.  I want you to know that we will tackle and discuss these issues in youth group.  That being stated I will not plan a lesson/discussion on these topics without letting you the parents know in advance. I don’t want you to be in the dark on what is going on in youth.  I also want you to be prepared for the discussion at home after we talk about these issues.

I know this is some heavy stuff but I encourage you to take some time read the articles, read Scripture, pray, and talk to your teens.

In Christ,

Pastor Jon