Take Caution: Internet Makes the 'Sex Talk' With Kids Happen Earlier

Why the birds and bees need to be discussed now

Approximately 40 percent of kids see Internet porn every year. Now whether that's because they intentionally searched for it or stumbled upon it at while at a friend's house or while using their parents computer, it's the truth. Because of the Internet, experts are advising parents to have the "sex talk" with their kids earlier; no matter how uncomfortable, it'll be for the best. The American Psychological Association noted in 2007 that "investigators see links between young people who access Web porn and unhealthy attitudes toward sex," so explaining to your kids the difference between pornography and what goes on between consenting adults in real life is key. "This is not because 8-year-olds go looking for porn, it's a function of what they're shown on someone's cellphone on the playground, what happens when they go out to the neighbor's house. It doesn't matter what parental controls you put in place, kids live their lives in other places ... or an 8-year-old does something really cute and innocent [like] discover a new naughty word and they Google it," says Cindy Gallop, CEO and founder of Make Love Not Porn, a website dedicated to correcting sexual misconceptions. And because they are too young to understand what they're seeing, the exposure may result in relationships that lack scope and communication. (Today)

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