• Become aware of the reality of the plague of pornography. We can’t afford to be naïve or in denial. The pervasiveness of this issue is alarming—but confronting the reality of it allows us to effectively help our children. We shouldn’t fall for the belief of “my kid would never watch that”. The plague of pornography and sexual misbehavior is affecting GOOD kids—and it’s affecting MOST kids, to one degree or another. Parents must realize that the harm of pornography is not only in the moments of viewing it, but in the many moments afterwards (hours, days, weeks, and months afterwards) when images and lust replay over in the mind. Pornography use has long-term effects on our children’s attitudes, emotions, beliefs, actions, and thought patterns.

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• Realize that this plague is entrapping young men and young women. This is not just a “boy problem”. Both young men and young women usually have deep shame about this issue, which often causes them to hide it at all costs. We need to realize that we might not be able to detect it easily. We must be aware that they might not be fully honest with us about the extent of their pornography use. Minimization is very common with pornography use. 

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• Have ongoing and open conversations about this topic with your children. Regular talks and check-ins are crucial. The more we talk with them in loving and realistic ways, the better chance they will confide in us and trust us to help them.​

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• Don’t assume your child can “just stop” viewing pornography without a plan. Telling our kids “just don’t watch it anymore” or “just pray and read your scriptures more” is not effective, realistic, nor fair to them. They need a firm, detailed plan of action that guides them to change not only their behaviors but also their thoughts. The Hope for Latter-day Saint Teens workbook is one such resource that contains a take-action spiritual plan.​

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• Refrain from rescuing your children from the consequences of their actions. Experiencing consequences is an important way that children learn and grow. We must resist the urge to “save” them from the difficult effects of their choices. If we save them from consequences, we deter their spiritual and emotional responsibility and progress.

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• Be very careful with all types of media. We must analyze the safety and cleanliness of the content that is being viewed on our TVs, computers, music, tablets, magazines, books, and phones. Media is often triggering for teens, whether they admit it or not. As parents we must remove our own desensitization so we are better able to protect our children within the walls of our own homes.​

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• Help your children learn that God, Christ, and the Atonement should be the foundation of their healing. It is essential that our children learn to access the power of the Atonement. They must learn to rely on God and Christ and to trust in Them. Sharing our testimonies and own experiences of the Savior’s healing power will have a great impact on our children.

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• Understand that full recovery and healing takes time. It takes consistency, commitment, and some sacrifice. One month—or even a few months—of not viewing pornography does not necessarily mean that our children’s brains and hearts are recovered. Parents must understand that lust in the mind and in the heart is the root of the issue. Inward thoughts, beliefs, and patterns must change in order to have lasting, real change in outward behavior. Finding recovery isn’t enough—our children must learn how to stay in recovery. This isn't a short-term issue with a short-term solution. It requires an on-going and long-term commitment to staying clean and in recovery. 

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• Help your children understand the importance of proper confession. Teach them that talking to a bishop is not a punishment—it is a blessing and gift that brings relief, peace, support, guidance, and complete repentance.

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• Help your child to receive support from others. Our children cannot fully recover in secret on their own without any outside help. Safe and appropriate support is essential. Help them to receive support from: parent(s), a bishop, church leaders, therapists/counselors, and supportive relatives or friends.

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• Recommended reading for children/youth:  Good Pictures Bad Pictures by Kristen Jenson & Gail Poyner / Hope for Latter-day Saint Teens: A Take-Action Workbook for Stopping Pornography Use and Sexual Misbehavior by Destroy the Plague / What’s the Big Deal About Pornography? A Guide for the Internet Generation by Dr. Jill Manning / Like Dragons Did They Fight by Maurice Harker / Avoid It by Elder Lynn G. Robbins, 2013 BYU Devotional Speech / You Can’t Pet a Rattlesnake by Elder David E. Sorensen, April 2001 General Conference

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• Recommended reading/listening for parents:  Let’s Talk About the Elephant in the Room: How LDS Women Can Protect Families from Pornography (Audio CD) by Dr. Jill Manning / It Starts With Us by Joy D. Jones, 2018 Keynote Address for Utah Coalition Against Pornography Conference / He Restoreth My Soul by Dr. Donald Hilton  / Overcoming Pandemics and Pornography by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, 2020 Keynote Address for Utah Coalition Against Pornography Rally 

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• Recommended support meetings/groups for parents: “Mothers Who Know” group at lifechangingservices.org / LDS Family Support Meetings found at addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org 

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• Recommended websites: protectyoungminds.org / parentguidance.org /  utahcoalition.org / churchofjesuschrist.org :  “Living Life” then “Life Help”