[Dr Skinner]

This morning I was reviewing an article from Turkey and was interested in your feedback. The article is titled "The Right to Pornography." I will attach a copy of the article if you are interested in reading what someone is suggesting to deal with teens viewing pornography in Turkey.

The key point of that article for me was this comment, "The state has a duty to protect minors from pornography and similar vices..." Do you agree that the state has such a duty? It seems that many people around the world think that teens viewing pornography is not a big deal. Does the state have a duty to protect minors from pornography? If so, who is enforcing it? How should it be enforced?

While I am asking questions, here is one more. Would you be okay if your son or daughter was viewing pornography on your home computer?

[Synnen]

The STATE has no right to decide, imo.

The PARENT, however, should be monitoring computer usage by teens.

I don't think teens viewing porn is a good idea, mostly because it gives an unrealistic view of sex. Of course, I ALSO think that teens shouldn't watch as much TV as they do, since it gives an unrealistic view of everything ELSE out there as well.

[hannah_nicole]

Depends how old the teen is and the type of pornography. But I don't have any particular problem with teens viewing porn.

[hollylovesbrandon]

I honestly don't think I'd have a real "problem" with my teen viewing porn. I would maybe talk to him/her about it and ask questions about it. I mean, seriously, you know once a son reaches a certain age he's jerkin it anyway, so why not let him use some online stimulation instead of just magazines. I personally think there's nothing wrong with it. But I could see why some people do have a problem. Also, about the other topic, the state has no right to say anything about that. It is a private family matter and none of the state's concern.

[smoothy]

I agree... its the parents choice... until they are 18 and move out of the house then it's their own choice.

But like most other things that go with childrearing... it should not be anything much beyond Playboy during their formative years and it should be at the parents descretion.

[Choux]

The problem is that pornography is harmful to natural, healthy sexuality... pornography teaches young people by repetitive viewing to make porn the object of desire and masturbation the highest level of sexual expression. Most people don't know what they are doing to themselves until it is too late.

Banning something by force of government doesn't work, it doesn't work for anything. It creates more interest.

There will simply be a lot of publicity going forward about ruined sexuality and years of therapy required to try to repair the damage, if repair is wanted or attempted. In fact, this sort of information is already coming in.

The job is up to parents to give warnings about how porn harms healthy sexuality, and not allow a computer in the bedroom of their children. One computer where everyone can see the screen. :) No hysterical conversations.