Talking to Your Kids About the Dangers of Pornography

Ep. 83 – Talking to Your Kids About Porn

Is pornography a good teacher? Many teens think so. Nearly half of teens surveyed believe “porn gives helpful information about sex.” This should be a red flag for dads. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster to talk about how to have honest and open conversations about the dangers of pornography.

In truth, porn is degrading, dehumanizing, and demoralizing. It impacts the brain the same ways as hard drugs, and it’s just as, if not more, addictive. Porn distorts and derails families and breaks up marriages. It’s a bit of a awkward subject, but dads must talk about it with their kids.

Why This Matters

Pornography is a problem that is not going away. There is no such thing as casual porn consumption.

Key Takeaways

-Pornography is Everywhere: Over 83% of U.S. teenage boys and 57% of teen girls have viewed porn, according to a national survey.
-Pornography is Largely Taboo: About 62% of teens say nobody has talked to them about the dangers of porn.
-Porn is Profitable: In the USA, the online porn industry’s annual revenue keeps pace with the NCAA, around $1.15 billion.

Practical Tools for Dads

Porn is bad for everyone, but especially kids. Don’t shy away from age-appropriate conversations about it. Here are questions to get you started:

1. What are your friends saying about porn?
2. What are your friends watching on YouTube?
3. What if everything you watched, clicked, or scrolled through online were public for all to see?
4. What do you think is the biggest struggle kids are facing in your grade?

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 00:55 | Introduction & Diving Into a Critical Conversation
Ted and BJ open the episode by introducing the topic of pornography—why it matters for dads and kids alike.

00:55 – 03:16 | First Encounters & The Weight of Silence
The hosts share their early experiences with porn and the emotional confusion and isolation that followed.

03:16 – 05:38 | What Teens Say About Porn Today
Insights from The Third Talk reveal that most teens feel adults don’t talk to them about porn—and that they want them to.

05:38 – 08:17 | The Emotional & Social Cost of Pornography
Why porn leads to shame, disconnection, and a hardening of the heart over time—especially in relationships.

08:17 – 11:20 | The Industry, Dehumanization & Misleading Messages
How porn and sex work culture distort the value of real connection and continue to devalue women and intimacy.

11:20 – 13:16 | When Culture Romanticizes Harm
From mainstream media to comedy shows, porn is often treated lightly—but the harm is deep and lasting.

13:16 – 15:01 | Start the Conversation: What Are Your Friends Saying?
Tactful, non-shaming ways to begin talking with your kids and normalize ongoing, honest conversations.

15:01 – 17:38 | Filters Aren’t Enough—Preparation Is Protection
Why software can’t replace relationship—and how to equip kids for the inevitable exposure they’ll face.

17:38 – 20:20 | Tell Your Story & Build Trust Through Vulnerability
Sharing your own experience creates a safe space for kids to come to you instead of hiding.

20:20 – 22:05 | Pro Move of the Week:
Remember, pornography is the enemy, NOT your kid. Be open and honest about the true enemy and help your kids avoid falling into its trap.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.