Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

No one wants his or her child to engage in lewd behaviour at the nursery. So the watching of pornographic movies by children at home should definitely be avoided.

"A child may develop negative psychological attitudes when they view pornographic images that they are not mentally prepared for," said family counsellor and director at Help For Parents, Dr. Sharon R.M. Johnson.

"While they are sexual beings, meaning that they are developing sexually, they are not prepared to manage sexual images. What they see, hear or experience, they are more likely to act it out. This is done most times through play or aggression," said Dr. Johnson.

It can be riveting when children are able to visualise the story of the birds and the bees. While children are told they came by way of the stork or fell from the sky, it becomes confusing when they see a man and woman on television engaged in activities they are ignorant of. On the other hand, children might think that it is normal of adults to behave that way, especially when on television it seems like fun.

Abuse

Furthermore, Dr. Johnson noted that the viewing of porn by children is abuse. "Many persons might not consider it as abuse. But it is exposure to sexual information that their mind is not ready for," she said.

With the advancement of modern technology and the availability of access to television sets, guarding children against watching porn should not be difficult.

Valerie, 30, in attempts to prevent her children from viewing porn has two television sets. Whenever she and her husband want to ignite the flames by watching porn, they use the set in their bedroom. The DVD player is also kept in their room. "That's the best bet, as we can lock the room door," said Valerie.

Elaine, 34, agreed that when children are within the home two television sets should be a must. "This way if you want to watch something private, you may do so in your room," said Elaine. However, she does not buy or rent pornographic videos or so called 'blue movies'. "I just don't have it in the house." Elaine said this ensures that none of her three children can 'accidentally' get access to a pornographic tape.

Still, cable television has reached the majority of homes in Jamaica. With this, access to porn can be extremely easy. However, the viewing of porn on cable networks can also be supervised. There are technologies in place such as blocking a channel only accessible via a code.

Watch what they watch

Andrea said cable supervision is of utmost importance. "I monitor what my children watch. Also, their television set can only go on certain channels, as others are blocked."

In addition, Valerie, whose children are ages 10 and four, said that in guarding them from viewing porn she supervises what they watch on cable channels. "The television in the family room has cable that shows some (porn). But we try not to let the children be up that late; that usually comes on after 10:30 p.m."

However, there are others who believe that the best way of guarding children from viewing porn is not to have it in the home. That is, like Andrea, do not purchase or rent blue movies.

Marie, 36, said that there are just too many negative movies on cable channels. The mother of an eight-year-old son has one television without cable that is in the living room. "Yes, certain cable channels may be blocked but these children nowadays are so smart that they can crack any code."

Whatever your preference, cable or not or more than one television sets, just ensure that what your child watches is being monitored.

* Names changed to protect identity.