Most Kids Are Being Exposed to Porn by Age 13

Assalamu Alaikum brothers and sisters,

In today's digital world, our children face challenges that we could never have imagined just a generation ago. One of the most disturbing and pervasive issues is the exposure of our youth to pornography. Studies have shown that the average age of first exposure to pornography is 13, with some children encountering it even younger. This alarming statistic highlights the need for us, as parents and community members, to take action to protect our youth from the damaging effects of pornography.

The Dangers of Pornography for Our Youth

Pornography is more than just a “bad habit.” It is a harmful addiction that affects the mind, body, and soul. For a young person, the exposure to explicit content can have a profound impact on their mental and emotional development. Islam teaches us that we should protect our hearts, our eyes, and our minds from anything that could lead us away from righteousness. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"The adultery of the two eyes is the lustful gaze.”
(al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr lil-Ṭabarānī 18/8)

Pornography warps the perception of relationships, sex, and human dignity. It instills unrealistic and harmful ideas about intimacy, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and confusion. The effects on a young mind are even more severe, as their understanding of healthy relationships, boundaries, and respect for others is distorted.

The exposure to pornography also leads to addiction, which can spiral into further isolation, anxiety, depression, and a weakened connection with Allah (SWT). For many, it creates a vicious cycle that is difficult to escape. It weakens the soul and takes away from the purity of the heart and mind.

Why Are So Many Kids Being Exposed?

The internet is a double-edged sword. While it offers countless opportunities for learning and growth, it also exposes children to harmful content with just a few clicks. Social media platforms, video games, and even innocent-seeming websites can lead children down a path toward destructive content. The accessibility of pornography, along with the anonymity that the internet provides, makes it easy for young people to stumble upon such content. This issue is especially concerning because children today have access to smartphones and computers from an early age.

It is important to understand that our children’s vulnerability is not their fault, but it is our responsibility to safeguard them from these dangers. The world around us is filled with fitnah, and we must protect our families from it.

How Pornography Affects the Ummah

The effects of pornography are not just individual—they affect entire communities. When the men of the Ummah fall to these temptations, the foundation of the community becomes weakened. We are seeing this firsthand: men are becoming weaker in their faith, in their personal lives, and in their relationships with others. This is something that needs to be addressed urgently.

Our Ummah is already facing so many challenges, and the battle against pornography is one we must fight with strength, resolve, and unity. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

"O believers! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, overseen by formidable and severe angels, who never disobey whatever Allah orders—always doing as commanded."
(Surah At-Tahrim, 66:6)

It is our duty to protect the men of our Ummah—our sons, brothers, fathers, and husbands—from the destructive power of pornography.

A Solution: Jundiy Revival

At Jundiy Revival, we are committed to helping Muslim men overcome the struggle of pornography addiction. Our goal is to strengthen the Ummah, one man at a time, by providing resources, support, and guidance for overcoming this harmful addiction. Through our services, such as our Freedom Bootcamp, which is specifically designed to help men quit porn and rebuild their lives, we aim to equip our brothers with the tools to break free from this fitnah and return to a life of purity and connection with Allah.

We understand that this is not an easy battle, but with Allah’s help and the right support, change is possible. We are here to stand alongside you and help you reclaim control over your life, your faith, and your future.

Brothers, it is time to act. The future of our youth and the strength of our Ummah depend on it. If you or someone you know is struggling with pornography addiction, don’t hesitate to check out our services at Jundiy Revival. Together, we can break free from this fitnah and build a stronger, purer Ummah.

May Allah (SWT) protect us all from the evils of this world and guide us on the straight path. Ameen.

Citation

1. Robb, M.B., & Mann, S. (2023). Teens and pornography. San Francisco, CA: Common Sense.