Parker Hymas (Fight the New Drug) on How to Talk About Porn with Gen Z
Nov 13, 2024
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Parker Hymas, Director of Public Outreach at Fight the New Drug, discusses the urgent need to talk about pornography with Gen Z. He shares insights on the normalization of porn and its desensitizing effects on young people. Emphasizing the importance of parental involvement, he encourages ongoing dialogues instead of relying solely on tech filters. Hymas offers practical strategies for parents to foster open conversations, address mental health impacts, and empower children with the right values and knowledge regarding pornography.
Parker Hymas emphasizes the need for parents to initiate open conversations about pornography to help children navigate potential early exposures.
The podcast highlights the importance of distinguishing between guilt and shame when discussing unhealthy habits related to pornography, promoting healthier dialogue and recovery.
Deep dives
The Mission of Fight the New Drug
Fight the New Drug was founded to educate people about the harmful effects of pornography using scientific research and personal narratives. The organization emphasizes that many individuals remain unaware of these harms due to a societal normalization of porn consumption. They aim to make scientific findings accessible and relatable so that individuals can make informed choices regarding pornography. By promoting awareness and understanding, the organization seeks to empower people to question the pervasive normalization of pornography in society.
Gen Z's Exposure to Pornography
Gen Z has unprecedented access to pornography and is often exposed at a considerably younger age than previous generations. This early exposure leads many young individuals to view pornography as a normal aspect of life, with little consideration of its potential harms. Comparisons are drawn between their understanding of pornography and their rudimentary knowledge of how everyday objects work, illustrating a lack of critical questioning among youths. The goal is to encourage this generation to recognize the harmful implications of pornography and to rethink their acceptance of its normalization.
The Importance of Open Communication for Parents
Parents are encouraged to initiate conversations about pornography with their children to prepare them for potential exposure, as many youths face this reality between the ages of 8 and 13. Conversations should be approached as normal and age-appropriate discussions rather than awkward or shameful topics. By fostering open dialogues, parents can support their children in understanding the issues related to pornography without instilling fear or shame. This proactive approach aims to break cycles of silence and embarrassment, ultimately equipping children with the knowledge they need.
Addressing Shame in Discussions About Pornography
When discussing pornography, it is crucial to differentiate between guilt and shame, which can profoundly affect individuals struggling with unhealthy habits. Guilt relates to recognizing harmful behavior with the belief that change is possible, while shame fosters feelings of being broken or unworthy. Parents should strive to create an atmosphere free of shame when their children disclose struggles with pornography. This approach not only promotes healthier discussions but also encourages recovery and understanding, helping both parties to navigate the challenges together.
Welcome to The Culture Translator podcast, today, we’re reposting our conversation with Parker Hymas from Fight the New Drug. Parker is the Director of Public Outreach at Fight the New Drug, which is a non-religious, non-legislative, educational organization that works with experts, researchers, celebrities, professional athletes, award-winning journalists, CEOs, authors, influencers, and advocates from across all industries to share about the harms of pornography, and how we can address it in our society.