In the wake of the post-pandemic digital age, a disturbing trend is emerging with a significant rise in porn addiction among children. Even young adults as old as eight years are falling prey to explicit content, prompting experts and doctors to issue a wake-up call to parents and educators.
Experts have noted a shift in children’s behavior, transitioning from innocent activities like watching cartoons to engaging with explicit content, including ‘same-sex’ material. This concerning trend has experts in child welfare expressing their deep concern, revealing that cases of porn addiction among children have nearly doubled since the pre-pandemic period.
Case studies shed light on the fact that children, particularly those in classes 8 to 10, are immersing themselves in explicit content, often using ‘code names’ to conceal their activities. Investigations indicate that these children are addicted to watching porn on their parents’ smartphones, marking a troubling trend on the rise.
Child and adolescent psychiatrists hold parents responsible for the escalating issue, noting that children as young as four years old are displaying signs of trauma due to exposure to explicit content. They emphasize that parents, who themselves often watch and store such content, play a crucial role in exposing their children to the world of porn.
Mobile Phones and Privacy:
Experts highlight the significance of mobile phones as extremely private devices and stress the need for parents to use blockers, be mindful of their content consumption, and monitor their children’s mobile usage. They call for stricter measures in schools, advocating a “de-digitization” model to limit phone usage among students and raise awareness about the risks associated with porn addiction.
An expert doctor from the child psychiatry committee emphasizes the importance of education and awareness among both children and parents. Counselling and close monitoring of children’s cellphone usage, with prompt intervention if any behavioral changes are noticed, are recommended.
The rising trend of porn addiction among children post-pandemic demands urgent attention and proactive measures from parents, teachers, and society as a whole. Stricter regulations, education, and awareness campaigns are crucial to address this disturbing reality and protect the innocence of the younger generation in the digital age.
