3 Videos to Help Parent Boys in a Pornified World:

by Kristen A. Jenson, MA

This month we're featuring some of our favorite videos during our very cool Summer Film Festival! Today we're sharing two videos that are especially geared to enlightening parents about the dangers faced by boys who fall prey to "arousal addictions." This is great information for parents!

To provide a bit of a break, our third BONUS video has nothing to do with porn, but it's oh so inspirational for both boys and girls.

By the way, if you have girls who will be marrying boys or growing up with brothers, this is for you, too!

All three of these videos are TED or TEDx Talks. If you've never watched a TED Talk, find out more about them here. Or go to their official website here. My family watches TED Talks regularly because they are a great source of information and ideas.

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The Demise of Guys (4:46)

In this often humorous talk, psychologist Philip Zimbardo presents a warning that boys and young men are falling behind girls in many areas. He argues that video games and porn contribute to their growing social awkwardness and fear of intimacy. Finally, he describes the problem of arousal addictions that are created by the constant novelty that the internet provides. Definitely worth the watch! (For parents and teens.)

The Great Porn Experiment (16:29)

In Philip Zimbardo's talk, he ended with this statement: "What's the solution? Not my job! I'm here to alarm."  In this video, scientist and author Gary Wilson seeks to answer some of the issues presented by Philip Zimbardo. Excellent information on the neuroscience behind pornography addiction. After watching this you may also want to check out Gary's new book Your Brain on Porn.

BONUS VIDEO: Here's some inspiration which has nothing to do with porn! (Except to show kids how to face problems and difficulties in healthy, happy ways.)

My philosophy for a happy life by Sam Berns. (12:45)

A teenage boy with a genetic disorder called progeria explains why he has such a happy life, despite a host of disabilities and severe deformities. So inspiring for kids!!! You'll love this because it gives kids so much perspective and hope!