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  • Here are 7 tips to conquer pornography addiction

    Here are 7 tips to conquer pornography addiction

    In an age where almost everything we desire is just a click away, the internet has made both ordinary and taboo cravings more accessible than ever. Pornography or ”Porn” often dismissed as a harmless indulgence, has quietly evolved into a powerful addiction for many, subtly eroding their mental health, relationships, and self-esteem.

    Breaking free from this often-hidden struggle may seem daunting, but it’s far from impossible. With the right mindset, tools, and support, recovery is within reach.

    Pornography addiction is not simply about seeking pleasure—it often arises from deeper issues such as stress, loneliness, or unresolved trauma. Pornography, which refers to explicit material intended to sexually arouse viewers, can become a powerful addiction when it is used as a means of coping with emotional or psychological pain. The brain becomes rewired, continually craving the dopamine rush, pulling individuals into a cycle that feels impossible to break. However, recognising the seriousness of the problem is the first step towards recovery.

    Here are seven (7) tips to help you overcome pornography addiction:

    1. Acknowledge the Problem and Commit to Change

    The first step on the road to healing is admitting the problem. Out of guilt or shame, many people try to conceal or deny their addiction, but recovery requires confronting it head-on. Promise yourself that you will break free, even though it may not happen immediately. It’s a journey, not a race, to recovery.

    Write down your reasons for quitting. Having a clear goal will help keep you motivated when cravings strike, whether that goal is to improve relationships, mental clarity, or general happiness. It’s vital to understand that addiction isn’t a moral failing; it’s a condition that can be treated. The journey to healing begins with self-compassion, recognising that struggling doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. What truly matters is the courage to take that first step toward change

    2. Set Clear Boundaries and Limit Triggers

    The internet is a vast ocean, and at times, it can feel impossible to avoid the temptations lurking beneath the surface. But navigating this digital sea requires setting firm boundaries that protect you from its most dangerous currents. Start by identifying the triggers that pull you in—stress at work, the emptiness of a lonely weekend, or a fleeting moment of boredom. Understanding these patterns gives you the power to redirect your energy, creating a safe space where these triggers lose their grip.

    Consider using technology to your advantage: software like Covenant Eyes or Accountability Software can block explicit content and provide accountability. These tools offer an extra layer of protection during vulnerable moments, helping you stay committed to your goal of change.

    3. Seek Support: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

    Recovery is not a path to walk alone—it’s best travelled with others. Open up to a trusted friend, partner, or therapist. Let them help carry the weight of your struggle, so it doesn’t overwhelm you. Joining an anonymous community offers more than shared experiences; it provides support, reinforcing that you’re not alone. Speaking your truth breaks the chains of shame and strengthens your resolve to heal.

    Therapy can also help uncover the anxiety, depression, or trauma that may fuel addiction. Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help you identify toxic thought patterns and replace them with healthier habits. It’s not just about quitting; it’s about transforming your mind and soul to build a new, stronger version of yourself.

    4. Replace the Habit with Positive Activities

    To break free from addiction, it’s not enough to simply stop—you must replace the void with something that nourishes the soul. Find passions that engage both your mind and body in ways that bring true fulfilment. Whether it’s the rhythm of a new instrument, the brushstrokes of a painting, the immersion of a good book, or the heartwarming act of volunteering, channel your energy into pursuits that fill the space pornography once occupied.

    As you embrace these positive outlets, your brain will begin to rewire itself, forming new pathways that lead to healthier habits. Over time, these fulfilling activities will replace old cravings, bringing a more vibrant and balanced life—one filled with joy, creativity, and connection.

    5. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Control

    Mindfulness is a quiet revolution in the battle against addiction. It’s not about fighting your urges, but rather observing them with curiosity and compassion, without allowing them to control your actions. When the urge to view pornography arises, don’t suppress it—acknowledge it, then let it pass, like a wave you no longer need to ride.

    Mindfulness practices such as deep breathing and meditation help create a peaceful sanctuary in the present moment, away from the noise, stress, and cravings. These exercises not only calm your mind but also teach you to sit with discomfort without needing to escape. Over time, your brain will recognise cravings without succumbing to them, helping you reclaim control and choose a healthier path.

    6.Turn to Scriptures for Strength and Guidance

    For religious individuals, both the Bible and the Qur’an offer profound spiritual wisdom to guide the soul through temptation. In Christianity, verses like 1 Corinthians 10:13 remind believers that no temptation is too strong to resist, for God always provides a way out. Similarly, Matthew 5:28 calls for guarding one’s heart and mind to maintain purity. In Islam, the words of Surah At-Tawbah (9:51) assure us that, with patience and trust in Allah, no trial—including addiction—is too great to bear. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286) reminds us that Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity, offering divine support in moments of struggle. Surah Al-Furqan (25:63) encourages self-restraint, urging individuals to manage their desires.

    Both faiths highlight the power of prayer. Whether through Christian prayer or Islamic Dua, these sacred acts provide the strength and clarity needed to overcome weakness. Participating in supportive faith communities, such as church groups or mosque gatherings, also fosters accountability, encouragement, and shared purpose. By embracing the wisdom of both the Bible and the Qur’an, individuals can find spiritual fortitude and solace on the road to recovery.

    7.Have Patience and Acknowledge Your Progress

    Recovery is rarely a straight line. Obstacles may arise, but every step forward is a victory. Celebrate small wins, such as going a week without relapsing or recognising your progress. Each accomplishment builds confidence and strengthens your commitment to a healthier life.

    Be patient with yourself. Overcoming addiction takes time. Focus on your progress and stay positive, knowing that every step brings you closer to a life beyond addiction.

    A Life Beyond Addiction

    Overcoming pornography addiction is a transformative journey—not just about quitting, but reclaiming your life. It begins with understanding the root causes, setting boundaries, seeking support, and replacing old habits with healthier, fulfilling ones. This journey is about creating deeper connections with yourself and others and rediscovering joy.

    If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Take the first step toward a life of clarity, connection, and freedom from addiction. Your path to recovery starts now.

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • Children as young as 9 years exposed to pornography – Study

    Children as young as 9 years exposed to pornography – Study

    Children are being exposed to online pornography from as young as nine years, according to a study for the children’s commissioner for England.

    A quarter of 16-21-year-olds first saw pornography on the internet while still at primary school, it suggests. By the age of 13, 50% had been exposed to it.

    The findings have been linked to low self-esteem among young people and harmful views of sex and relationships.

    Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said it was “deeply concerning”.

    In a nationally representative survey of more than 1,000 of 16-21-year-olds, 38% had found pornographic content accidentally.

    Joanne Schneider’s son stumbled across a pornography website, aged eight after typing swear words he had heard at school into a search engine.

    “We’d put all the normal safety features in place and had removed apps such as YouTube but didn’t for one second think that my son could find himself on adult-entertainment sites within a few seconds,” Ms Schneider, from London, said.

    “As soon as I saw what was happening, I closed the site – but both him and I were left in shock at what he had seen. I felt so terrible about the whole thing.

    “All of a sudden I was having to explain it all, including the fact that what he saw was artificial and far from what real people look like.”

    ‘Strangling’ seen as normal

    Of the 18-21-year-olds, 79% had seen pornography involving sexual violence as children.

    Almost half of young people say girls expect sex to involve physical aggression, such as airway restriction, the commissioner’s report says.

    One 12-year-old told Dame Rachel her boyfriend had “strangled” her during their first kiss. He had seen it in pornography “and thought it normal”.

    The commissioner urges “every adult in a responsible position” to take the findings seriously.

    The Online Safety Bill, going through the House of Lords, should be used to protect children from internet pornography, she says.

    “It should not be the case that young children are stumbling across violent and misogynistic pornography on social-media sites,” Dame Rachel says.

    “I truly believe we will look back in 20 years and be horrified by the content to which children were being exposed.

    “Let me be absolutely clear – online pornography is not equivalent to a ‘top-shelf’ magazine.

    “The adult content which parents may have accessed in their youth could be considered ‘quaint’ in comparison to today’s world of online pornography.”

    Twitter is the primary source of pornography for young people, the study suggests, with 41% saying they had accessed it there.

    Dedicated pornography sites came next, followed closely by Instagram, Snapchat and search engines.

    ‘Extreme material’

    The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children charity has long been urging the government to implement strong measures in the Online Safety Bill to protect minors.

    Policy lead Richard Collard said the impact pornography could have was “deeply worrying”.

    “Ofcom must be given the powers to set minimum standards which ensure the rollout of robust age-assurance measures on platforms where pornographic material can be viewed,” he said.

    “This will ensure children are protected from immediate and future harm.”

    Andy Lulham, from safety-technology provider VerifyMy, said the report was “extremely worrying but sadly not surprising”.

    “As it stands, there is nothing to stop children from easily accessing pornographic and other extreme material online,” he said.

    “This issue has existed for far too long – it’s time for politicians, regulators and the private sector to finally come together and help safeguard children, the most vulnerable section of society.”

    Source: BBC

  • Kim Jong Un orders execution of anyone caught watching porn in North Korea

    Kim Jong Un orders execution of anyone caught watching porn in North Korea

    Anyone caught watching porn will be executed by Kim Jong Un’s new secret squads as part of the North Korean dictator’s campaign to combat “foreign influences.”

    According to evidence from a defector in a recent study, enforcers are trying to outlaw foreign television, haircuts, and even birthday parties.

    The ‘gruppa’ or ‘non-socialist groupings’ squads are charged by Pyongyang with pursuing infractions of the official ideology of the Communist Party.

    ‘The groups operate as a hidden tool, which is used by the government to achieve their ultimate objectives of ubiquitous surveillance and the ability to thoroughly oversee each and every resident,’ the report says.

    Foreign media, particularly anything deemed to be ‘Western’, is strictly prohibited in North Korea – which brainwashes its population to unquestionably support Kim Jong Un and his ruling regime. Any dissent is severely punished.

    The dictator views South Korea as an American puppet state, and is highly sensitive to any of its media crossing the border from China, fearing the influence it may have.

    For some time now, any sign that someone may have been consuming media from the South has resulted in brutal consequences.

    Now, according to the report by the Database Centre for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB) based in Seoul, Kim is tightening his grip even more with the gruppa.

    Citizens are being prosecuted for anything from defection, drug dealing, smuggling and begging, to being absent from work, traffic offences, adultery, dying one’s hair, religious practices and taking part in ‘decadent culture’ – which can include parties.

    ‘It is worse than the Kim Jong Il era,’ one testimony quoted in the report said. 

    ‘The border has become tighter, more barbed wire fences have been installed. Also, there were instructions to directly fire at any person crossing the border.

    ‘[…] I’ve heard about people being shot for distributing impure cultural contents. There was one person who was executed for watching pornography and prostituting at his place after Kim Jong Un took office.’

    ‘First they check how you dress. Then what type of music you listen to, what videos you watch, whether you have dyed your hair […] You cannot have a birthday party as a group,’ the defector said, according to the report.

    ‘They keep saying not to have gatherings and drink alcohol because when people are drunk, they will end up singing one or two South Korean songs for sure.’

    The report said that the secret informants are becoming increasingly preoccupied with the smuggling and distribution of South Korean media. 

    Outlawed songs, movies and television shows such as ‘Squid Game’ or ‘Crash Landing on You’ are sometimes smuggled into the country on USB flash drives. 

    One of the methods used by the ‘non-socialist groups’ is to cut off power to the homes of people suspected of watching banned media, and therefore preventing them from removing DVDs of videotapes from the payer and hiding their ‘guilt’.

    Punishments range from demotion at work, being fired, or even sent to a re-education or labour camp. In the most extreme cases – such as being found to have been watching pornography – people could be executed by firing squad.

    ‘If you consume sexual media content in North Korea, you are either punished with a lifetime term of “reform through labour” or even executed by firing squad. Watching typical South Korean or American material will lead to a sentence of fewer than ten years of ‘reform through labour,’ according to another defector’s testimony. 

    Earlier this month, it was reported that four students were expelled from university and forced to work in a coal mine because they sounded as if they had been watching too much foreign TV, by using accents or phrases from the South.

    It is believed the students likely picked up the way of speaking through watching media outlawed by the ruling party.

    Credit: Dailymail.com.uk

  • Stop watching porn, delete it from your phone – Pope warns Roman Fathers and Sisters

    Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has entreated priests and nuns to desist from watching pornography.

    He has also asked them to delete such materials from their phones.

    The BBC, the 86-year-old sounded the word of warning at a session in the Vatican while responding to a question about how digital and social media should be best used.

    According to the news outlet, the Pope told priests and seminarians that “the devil enters from” watching porn, hence the need to stay away from it.

    “…a vice that so many people have… even priests and nun,” the Pope lamented. “The pure heart, the one that Jesus receives every day, cannot receive this pornographic information.”

    “…delete this from your phone, so you will not have temptation in hand.”

    Pope Francis went further to advise priests and seminarians to use social media for good purposes, but not waste too much of their time on it.

    Not all men of God have the ability to overcome temptation, so the Pope’s warning is not out of place.

    In 2018, a reverend father was put under house arrest while criminal proceedings were initiated against him after he allegedly raped an 11-year-old girl in a car, claiming he “thought she was at least 15 years old”.

    Reports at the time indicated that the suspect, Father Paolo Glaentzer, a septuagenarian, was arrested in July of that year in connection with the crime.

    The Italian man of God did not deny having sexual intercourse with the victim, but said it was “an exchange of affection” between him and the girl, who, according to him, looked “much more mature than she was”.

    “I found out she was 11 years old… I thought she was at least 15,” he cried.

    He blamed his conduct on the devil after finding himself on the wrong side of the Italian laws, which recognised age 16 as the legal age for consent to sex.

  • Pornography in schools: Hearing impaired students smuggle phones to watch pornography

    The management of Senior High Technical School for the Deaf at Akuapem-Mampong in the Eastern Region is disturbed about the increase in hearing impaired students bringing mobile phones to class to watch pornography, gamble, and stake lotteries.

    The subject has been repeatedly brought up at general PTA meetings in recent months by school officials, who are threatening to violently seize cell phones discovered with students.

    At a recent PTA meeting, management said “It realized that students bring to school expensive phones. Some videos show their nakedness or their sexual acts and these videos sometimes get onto their platforms. Parents were advised to always take wards phones before they come to school since seized phones are never returned to owners.

    “Parents must be mindful of their wards at home and the kind of friends they visit and keep as some are betting and staking lotto,” the management said.

    Meanwhile, parents are being encouraged to pay the PTA levy of GHC 20 per student approved by the government to support development in the school.

    A portion of the amount accrued will be used to pay a monthly allowance to a retired driver to transport the students until the government posts a new driver.

    “Students are shuttled between the two campuses every day and so there is a need for drivers in the school. One of the two drivers of the school is retiring next month. But posting of drivers to school is on hold from the Ghana Education Service and the absence of one driver for the school is going to be a very big challenge as a result of our specialty” management added.

  • Britain drops plan to check porn viewers’ age

    Britain has dropped plans to demand age verification for people viewing pornography after concluding it would be better to help companies limit access to adult content, digital and media minister Nicky Morgan said on Wednesday.

    Under plans announced in April, commercial providers of online pornography would have needed to check its users were 18 or over and websites that broke the law would be blocked or have their payment services withdrawn.

    Read:Pornography leading influence on sexual behaviour among youth Study

    Critics said the measures could be easily by-passed while privacy campaigners said they would be counter-productive and could lead to legal sites being blocked.

    The scheme, which would have made Britain the first country to bring in age verification for online pornography, was supposed to launch in June but was delayed. Digital minister Morgan said the proposals had now been ditched.

    Read:Asics apologises for porn playing for hours above Auckland store

    “We are committed to the UK becoming a world-leader in the development of online safety technology and to ensure companies of all sizes have access to, and adopt, innovative solutions to improve the safety of their users,” she said in a written statement to parliament.

    “This includes age-verification tools and we expect them to continue to play a key role in protecting children online.”

    Source: reuters.com

  • Asics apologises for porn playing for hours above Auckland store

    Sports company Asics has apologised after screens outside a flagship store in Auckland, New Zealand, showed pornography for several hours.

    The content played on the store’s promotional outdoor screens above the entrance until staff arrived at 10am on Sunday to open the shop.

    The Japanese sports company said hackers had gained access to the system to show the explicit content.

    “We would like to apologise to anyone who may have seen this,” the firm said.

    Read:Pornography leading influence on sexual behaviour among youth Study

    In a Facebook post, Asics said “an unknown person gained access to the screens above our central Auckland store and some objectionable content was displayed on the screens”.

    “We are working with our software and online security suppliers to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” the statement added.

    According to the New Zealand Herald, the pornographic content had been playing for nine hours until turned off by staff.

    Read:Senior US official resigns after viewing porn on work computer

    The paper cites security offer Dwayne Hinango saying that “some people were shocked, but others just stopped and watched”.

    The Herald also cites one woman who witnessed the videos while walking past with her seven-year-old son.

    “I took a second look because I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” she said.

    “It’s totally inappropriate and offensive, not something that you want kids exposed to.”

    Source: bbc.com