A parent’s guide to understanding porn exposure in kids and teens | Interview with Dr Brian Willoughby (Ep. 96)

Interview with Dr Brian Willoughby (Ep. 96)

A parent’s guide to understanding porn exposure in kids and teens

19.02.25

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In this episode of the podcast, Tim had the opportunity to talk with Dr Brian Willoughby, a Professor in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University and a research fellow at The Wheatley Institute. Dr. Willoughby is considered an international expert in the field of couple and marital relationships, sexuality, and emerging adult development. Together, Tim and Dr. Willoughby discussed the facts around porn exposure in kids and teens, and shared practical tips for parents to help them navigate having these conversations with young people. 

What they discussed:

00:00 – Intro 

02:09 – How Dr Willoughby got started studying pornography 

05:32 – What are some of the reasons young people are being exposed to pornography? 

10:35 – Porn chats with kids should be about ‘when,’ not ‘if’ 

13:36 – Two key pieces of advice for parents 

17:44 – What are the messages young people are getting from watching porn?  

22:32 – The difference between porn consumption for young people today compared to older generations  

24:03 – The importance of monitoring and open communication 

25:47 – When to have these conversations, and what to say 

27:51 – Using teachable moments 

29:19 – What resources we’re still missing 

33:25 – Is there a place for pornography use in a relationship?  

35:56 – Viewing pornography use as a risk in the same way we view alcohol consumption 

40:33 – The benefits of talking with kids about pornography 

43:44 – Dr Willoughby’s #1 piece of advice for parents 

44:56 – Recommended resources + filling the education gap 

48:08 – Where to find more of Dr Willoughby 

49:03 – Conclusion 

Related links:

Find more of Dr. Brian Willoughby here: https://fhssfaculty.byu.edu/directory/brian-willoughby  

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