In a world where children are increasingly vulnerable to harmful online content, Good Pictures Bad Pictures by Kristen A. Jenson emerges as a crucial tool for parents. The internet is no longer a luxury, but a daily part of life, making it imperative for parents to have tough conversations early. This book provides a thoughtful, age-appropriate way to introduce young children to the dangers of pornography, equipping them with a solid foundation to recognize and reject explicit content. With its gentle approach and practical advice, Jenson’s work empowers families to tackle a challenging topic head-on.
Proactive, Not Reactive
Today’s children face unprecedented exposure to pornography, often before they even know what it is. The days of hoping filters will do the job or that children will somehow avoid harmful content are long gone. With smartphones, tablets, and high-speed internet accessible to even the youngest users, the risks are ever-present. Jenson’s book is built on the premise that parents can no longer afford to be reactive when it comes to online safety. Rather, they must take a proactive stance, addressing the issue of pornography with their children before it becomes a problem.
Good Pictures Bad Pictures is specifically tailored for children aged 7 to 12—an age range often left unaddressed when it comes to conversations about pornography. Jenson’s language is straightforward and sensitive, making it easy for parents to engage with their children on a topic that can otherwise feel overwhelming. By starting these conversations early, parents have the opportunity to “inoculate” their children against the potentially devastating impact of pornography, safeguarding their mental, emotional, and even spiritual well-being.
Why It’s Essential
The statistics are sobering: Pornography is a $97 billion global industry, and children are increasingly its unintended victims. With the average child encountering explicit material by age 11, it’s clear that early exposure is no longer the exception—it’s the norm. The book points out that 40% of children aged 10 to 17 have been exposed to online pornography, often unintentionally. This exposure can have lasting negative effects on a child’s brain development, emotional health, and understanding of sexuality.
What makes Good Pictures Bad Pictures so critical is its understanding of this reality. Rather than pretending children will remain innocent by ignorance, the book offers a solution that acknowledges the existence of the problem without compromising a child’s sense of security or innocence. Jenson reminds parents that their child isn’t necessarily seeking out pornography—rather, pornography is seeking their child. The digital age has brought with it a flood of predatory content, and without preparation, children may become easy targets. This book is a much-needed tool in fighting back.
A Thoughtful Approach
One of the most remarkable aspects of Good Pictures Bad Pictures is how it tackles such a heavy subject with remarkable care. Jenson uses the metaphor of “bad pictures” to explain pornography in a way that children can understand without becoming overwhelmed. The book doesn’t shy away from the seriousness of the issue, but it presents the material in a way that respects a child’s developmental stage.
Jenson goes a step further by incorporating basic neuroscience into the discussion, making this more than just a moral lesson. Children are taught about the difference between the “feeling brain” (the limbic system) and the “thinking brain” (the prefrontal cortex). This explanation not only helps children grasp why they might find inappropriate images both confusing and appealing, but also teaches them about how addiction works. By framing the conversation around brain science, Jenson demystifies pornography’s pull, helping children understand that it is a trap rather than something to be ashamed of.
Practical Tools and Empowerment
What sets Good Pictures Bad Pictures apart from other resources is its practical, action-oriented focus. Jenson doesn’t just tell children to avoid pornography; she gives them a clear, memorable plan for what to do when they inevitably encounter it. The five-step plan, known as “CAN DO,” offers a simple, easy-to-remember strategy: Turn, Run, Tell. This framework empowers children to respond quickly and confidently when faced with inappropriate content. It doesn’t induce shame but rather offers practical steps that children can follow without feeling like they’ve done something wrong.
Moreover, Jenson includes discussion prompts throughout the book, helping to create a natural dialogue between parent and child. These prompts foster not only understanding but also a sense of openness, allowing the conversation to feel less like a lecture and more like a shared experience. The goal is to give children the tools they need to reject harmful content on their own, while still feeling supported by their parents.
Why Every Parent Should Read This Book
For parents who feel anxious or ill-equipped to discuss pornography with their children, Good Pictures Bad Pictures is a lifesaver. Jenson has included an entire section labeled “Notes to Parents and Caregivers,” which is full of guidance on how to approach and debrief the material. This section demystifies the process, offering practical advice on how to start the conversation, how to respond to your child’s reactions, and how to help them process any past exposures to pornography.
This is not just a book for parents to read once and set aside. It’s a tool that can be revisited, discussed, and used as a reference for future conversations. The simplicity of its language and the depth of its insights make it applicable to children at various developmental stages, giving parents a resource they can lean on for years.
Final Thoughts
Good Pictures Bad Pictures is more than just a book—it’s a vital resource for today’s parents. In a world where pornography is more accessible than ever, Jenson provides parents with a roadmap to guide their children through the dangers of the digital age. With its clear explanations, scientific insights, and practical tools, this book offers families a way to engage in critical conversations without fear or shame. If you’re serious about protecting your children from the harmful effects of pornography, this book is an indispensable addition to your parenting toolkit.
By preparing children early, Good Pictures Bad Pictures doesn’t just protect their innocence—it preserves it. Through empowering children with knowledge and a concrete action plan, Jenson helps families build stronger defenses against one of the greatest threats to children’s emotional and sexual health today. This is a book every family should own, read, and share.
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