Pornography is disturbingly prevalent in the United States – recent surveys find that nearly three-quarters of American teens (ages 13–17) report having viewed online pornographic material, with many first exposed by age 12. Yet this industry is far from benign: insiders note the typical porn performer’s career spans only about six to 18 months, and dozens of adult entertainers have died young from suicide or overdose in just the past few years. Exposure to pornography is also linked to serious harms in youth – research shows adolescents who view porn tend to adopt more permissive sexual attitudes and acceptance of aggression toward women, suffer higher rates of depression and relationship problems, and engage in riskier sexual behavior. Crucially, pornography also fuels human trafficking: experts report that sex trafficking has surged alongside the internet porn boom, often using trafficked victims in pornographic content. Globally about 79% of the 40+ million people enslaved by trafficking are used for sexual exploitation, and violent porn scenes (88% of which depict physical or verbal aggression) reflect the demand that drives this abuse. Together, these statistics paint a stark, urgent picture – pornography is not a harmless pastime but a driver of youth harm and human exploitation.

BOOKS

The Porn Myth is a non-religious response to the popular belief that pornography is harmless or even beneficial. Author Matt Fradd draws on the experiences of porn performers and users, as well as insights from neuroscientists, sociologists, and psychologists, to reveal the destructive impact of pornography on individuals, relationships, and society. Using compelling evidence and the latest scientific research, Fradd discredits the myths used to defend and promote pornography. The book explores the neurological reasons behind porn addiction, provides practical tools for those seeking freedom from it, and offers valuable guidance for spouses and parents affected by a loved one’s use. As modern research continues to confirm pornography’s harmful effects on the brain, more individuals are rejecting the cultural norm and seeking a healthier, more authentic understanding of love and intimacy. The Porn Myth is part of this growing movement—one that empowers men and women to reclaim their lives and relationships from the damaging influence of porn.

Young children deserve to be armed early against internet dangers. Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. makes it easy for parents to protect their young kids ages 3 to 6. Using gentle, age-appropriate messages, children will learn to Turn, Run, & Tell when they are accidentally exposed to inappropriate content. Written by best-selling author Kristen A. Jenson of the original Good Pictures Bad Pictures book, the Jr. version is a comfortable, effective way for proactive parents to empower their young kids with their first internal filter!

Good Pictures Bad Pictures is a read-aloud story that helps parents teach their children what pornography is, why it’s harmful, and how to reject it. Using simple science and relatable analogies, the book empowers kids to “porn-proof” their brains with a 5-point CAN DO Plan—a strategy to avoid harmful images and manage accidental exposure. In today’s digital world, even young children can stumble upon explicit content with just a few taps, often without realizing the damage it can cause to their developing minds. This book equips kids with an internal filter and gives parents a practical, empowering tool to start a tough but essential conversation. Many families also use it as part of their sexual abuse prevention efforts.

Your Brain on Porn by Gary Wilson is a landmark book that combines scientific research with firsthand accounts to expose the addictive and damaging effects of internet pornography. Since its publication, the book has challenged the porn industry's claims, highlighting how widespread porn use—especially among young men—is linked to declining sexual satisfaction, emotional well-being, and even rising rates of erectile dysfunction. In 2022, a major study in Psychological Medicine and a clarification from the World Health Organization affirmed that compulsive porn use is a legitimate disorder and can severely disrupt mental and relational health. Wilson explores how thousands have reclaimed their lives through “rebooting”—abstaining from porn—and found improved focus, mood, and real-life intimacy. His work gives voice to those harmed by pornography and provides hope and practical advice for those seeking recovery in a culture where addiction has become big business.

Raised on Porn by Benjamin Nolot is a powerful, research-based exploration of how pornography is harming individuals, families, and society—especially children. With most kids exposed to porn by age 13 (some as young as 7), and nearly half of porn scenes on major free sites depicting aggression—often toward women—the book highlights the disturbing reality behind the industry. Nolot, a filmmaker and anti-trafficking advocate, draws from over a decade of interviews with industry insiders, neuroscientists, mental health experts, and affected families to reveal the addictive nature of porn and its link to increased sexual aggression. Far from a moral rant, Raised on Porn is a thoughtful, evidence-driven call to action for parents, educators, and advocates to protect human dignity and the well-being of future generations.

Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke is a compelling exploration of how our modern world’s constant access to high-reward, dopamine-triggering stimuli—like social media, food, drugs, and digital entertainment—has led to widespread overconsumption and imbalance. Blending cutting-edge neuroscience with powerful patient stories, Lembke reveals how the relentless pursuit of pleasure often results in pain, addiction, and disconnection. Through accessible explanations and real-life examples, she offers insight into how we can restore balance, find deeper contentment, and transform our lives by understanding and regulating the brain’s reward system.

ONLINE LINKS

• Adolescents, Porn, Mental Health: Understanding Dangerous Effects of Porn on Developing Minds​​
• COMPOSE: Building young people's resilience and resistance to hypersexualized media and porn
• 6 Free Digital Safety and Digital Wellness Resources for Parents and Educators
• Warning Signs That Your Child is Struggling with Porn Consumption
• Evaluating OpenAI's Potential Shift to "NSFW" Content and Other Concerns
• Some Videos on Mainstream Porn Sites Actually Show Sex Trafficking
• By the Numbers: Is the Porn Industry Connected to Sex Trafficking?
• The Porn Industry and Human Trafficking Reinforce Each Other
• Screening Questions for Exposure to Images on the Internet
• The Link Between Pornography and Human Trafficking
• Video: Porn Fuels the Demand for Sex Trafficking
• How Pornography is Impacting Patients
• The Neuroscience of Pornography
• Because Porn Hurts Kids
• Fight the New Drug Videos
• Truth About Porn

VIDEOS

Raised on Porn exposes the ways pornography has become the new sex education for children and unpacks the dangerous lifelong implications of this global phenomenon.

Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Jordan Peterson discuss the impact of pornography on the brain, it's relation to other dopamine-driven compulsions, and the challenges it may pose to natural sexual relationships. Dr. Jordan Peterson, Ph.D., is a psychologist, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, best-selling author, and prominent online educator. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University School of Medicine and host of the Huberman Lab podcast.

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Pornography, by its very nature, is an equal opportunity toxin. It damages the viewer, the performer, and the spouses and the children of the viewers and the performers. It is toxic miseducation about sex and relationships. It is more toxic the more you consume. - Dr. Mary Anne Layden