Reality check: Pornography is the third largest industry on the Internet today, ranked behind only software and computers. The 'Net currently has 100,000 porn Web sites, and 200 new cybersex sites are created daily. That doesn't even count e-mail, chat rooms, and other forms of contact. Scared yet?

Standing Tall When Tempted

Despite these staggering facts, many times we don't give enough attention to the dangers of pornography in our students' lives. Here are seven common myths about students and Internet pornography, along with some practical tips for responding to them.

Myth 1: Youth ministers and youth volunteers are exempt from the temptation of Internet pornography.
Before thinking about how pornography makes an impact on our students, we must look at how it impacts the Christian community as a whole. You've probably heard the numbers before: Countless individuals and leaders in churches share through surveys, at Christian rallies, and with counseling services that they struggle with pornography. If you are clergy or laity struggling with compulsive Internet pornography use, you are not alone. There is help, even online. Web sites such as www.xxxchurch.com, www.ChristianCounsel.com, and www.pureonline.com offer help.

Myth 2: Youth ministers must get online and view various Web sites to best help their students.
There is never a valid reason to do some Web site "research" in this area to try to understand what your teenagers are viewing. Even professional researchers on the topic of cybersex must avoid such temptations. Paul wrote, "I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil" (Rom. 16:19b).

When I began researching Internet pornography addiction, a pioneer in the field warned me about this, and the advice is solid. I believe steering clear of such sites has protected my spirituality, my marriage, and my family. I encourage you to do the same.

Myth 3: Only male students struggle with Internet pornography.
Both male and female students are seduced by the lure of online pornography. Forty percent of the extreme cases of pathological Internet activity is carried out by females. While males prefer to download pornographic images from the Internet, females favor virtual sex within the context of a relationship (for example, email or chat-room interaction), which often leads to real-life sexual encounters.

High percentages of girls involved in Internet pornography end up meeting their online partners and can easily become prey to any pedophile posing as an online lover. Youth ministers and volunteers must understand the dangers for both males and females. The temptation of cybersex is a church-wide (and not a gender specific) epidemic.

Myth 4: My youth parents are equipped to monitor their teen's Internet involvement.
If students' parents can't reset their VCR clocks, then they'll likely struggle with monitoring their teen's Internet activities. Sex is limitless for today's teen. Youth ministers must educate parents on how to help teens remain sexually pure while using the Internet. Read some tips on monitoring students' involvement on the Internet: Tips for Parents with Teens on the 'Net

Myth 5: Teens who have made the True Love Waits commitment understand that sexual purity means protecting themselves from pornography.
More than 1.5 million teenagers have made the True Love Waits pledge to sexual abstinence until marriage, but many of today's teens define virginity as merely abstaining from sexual intercourse. You and students' parents play a vital role in teaching that sexual purity is part of a lifestyle.

In addition to actual physical sexual purity, teens must learn spiritual and mental sexual purity as well. While some students don't think touching, kissing, and fondling their partner's genitalia counts as sex, some also do not consider cybersex involvement to be sexually impure. Youth ministers need to add Internet pornography education to their regular sex talks, praying for truly God-driven commitments to sexual purity in all areas.

Myth 6: My students do not struggle with gender identity problems.
Adolescence is at best complex, curious, transforming, confusing, and embarrassing. Now, imagine, in the midst of all this developmental chaos, having limitless access to sex.

Now imagine what it must feel like for some teens who are being bombarded with homosexual material via the Internet. Confusion is already present, and now Internet advertisements for the gay lifestyle seem interesting. Some teens may struggle with gender identity problems because they find homosexual porn interesting. Some may make rash decisions regarding who they are sexually because they are stimulated by gay Web sites.

Student ministers must become more sensitive to these and other the sexual orientation issues faced by their students. Rarely are such topics dealt with, unless jokingly. Cyberspace allows students to view all forms of sexual acts, and imprints of such acts are left in their minds for a lifetime.

Myth 7: There are no long-term consequences of Internet pornography.
Even though there's little empirical research on Internet pornography and students, the following is worth considering. Teens who habitually interact with Internet pornography may:

1. develop a distorted view of sexuality - online relationships are not based in reality;
2. begin to seek higher levels of sexual excitement;
3. become sexually active at an early age;
4. increase the possibility of contracting an STD;
5. experience an increased sex drive that could result in a sexual compulsion or addiction.

Your lifestyle example as a leader, cybersex prevention education, parental involvement, and the work of the Holy Spirit are all needed components in helping students resist the snare of Internet pornography. Don't give in to the common myths about students and Internet pornography, and be proactive in helping protect your students' sexual well-being.