Helping others avoid and overcome pornography: tips for leaders, spouses and parents

Many times, people who have engaged in viewing pornography feel like they are lost and without hope. Pornography is addictive, but pornography can also be overcome, and having a good support system is essential. Below are tips for parents, church leaders and spouses of loved ones who are seeking help with their pornography addictions.

Teach and understand sacred sexuality.

Too often, individuals approach sexual relations with the attitude, “sex is dirty, nasty and inappropriate — and save it for the one you love.” Parents and church leaders need to teach that sexual intimacy between husband and wife is the highest form of expression of bonding and love between two human beings. It’s important to teach that when a married couple is completely unified, sealed in the temple, their bond is stronger than any on earth.

Parents, teach your children about the true doctrine about sexual intimacy. Do not teach them it is evil because everything inside of them is telling them differently. An attraction to someone is a testimony that we desire to be with someone forever, and we can only have those blessings if we foster the relationship in the way that Heavenly Father has designed it to be.

Encourage and discuss the problem — and avoid shaming.

Pornography pushes someone into a very depressed cycle. A person needs to feel godly sorrow, but do not “kick them while they are down.” For an individual to overcome pornography, they will need encouraging people around them. When someone wants help with their pornography addiction, it shows that they already feel bad about it.

Parents, develop a relationship with your child so that they feel comfortable coming to you with their challenges. Also, spouses who struggle with pornography need to not shut out their spouse because they are ashamed of what they are doing; if they do this, they are shutting out their biggest support system.

Help those who are struggling learn to do good and serve God (not just try to stop doing evil).

It is very common for people who are trying to give up pornography to just try and stop. This leaves them with a lot of time, more time to think, and they may not be sure what to do with this extra time. Being bored and idle could potentially lead someone back to pornography. Supportive parents and spouses can help their loved ones who are struggling by helping them find opportunities to serve. People need not overschedule themselves, but they can find things to do with increased spare time.

Remove sources of pornography.