Kids Are Exposed to Porn by Age 8 — Here's What Parents Need to Know

Tanya Gioia sits down with Chris Rogers, a certified pornography addiction recovery coach and former New York City music teacher, for an honest conversation about protecting kids in a hyper-accessible digital world. Chris shares his own journey through addiction and shame into recovery and faith, and unpacks why kids as young as 8 are being exposed to pornography — often through mainstream apps, not "dark corners" of the internet. Together, Chris and Tanya explore the difference between happiness and joy, why shame-based conversations backfire with struggling kids, and how parents can open the door to real, judgment-free conversations before the world does it for them. Key Talking Points: Why the average age of first exposure to pornography is now around 8 years old, and how it hides in plain sight on everyday apps (Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) The rise in exposure and use among young women (up to 30%) — this isn't just a "boys" issue anymore Chris's personal story: growing up in church, hiding a secret struggle, and how recovery made room for the Holy Spirit The "Thank You and Goodbye Letter" exercise Chris uses with clients Sex vs. intimacy: why the two get blurred, and the exercise Chris uses to help clients define real intimacy The Coolidge Effect and why novelty drives addictive escalation Pornography as counterfeit intimacy — pursuing "happiness" (pleasure, novelty) vs. "joy" (innate, God-given identity) Why leading with shame backfires ("if you lead with shame, they will stay the same") and how to instead make it "you and your child vs. the problem" Practical first steps for parents: transparency, framing curiosity about sex as normal, and having the conversation early Guest Bio: Chris Rogers is a Certified Pornography Addiction Recovery Coach and founder of the Rebooted Teen Program (and its companion Rebooted Teen Parent Program). A former NYC music teacher, Chris draws on both professional training and personal recovery experience to help teens and adults build healthy, values-based relationships with themselves — and helps parents open honest, shame-free conversations with their kids. Resources & Links: Website / Free Parent Course: https://www.rebootedteen.com/ Instagram: @rebootedteen Facebook Community: linked via rebootedteen.com **Free Gfit : Get this free list of Christian affirmations that spell out who you are in God – actual in God’s own words. Repeat these biblical affirmations and replace these truths with the lies currently in your head! -** https://www.tanyagioia.com/affirmations 👋🏼 **GET IN TOUCH** 💻 Website - www.tanyagioia.com 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/soberon\_purpose/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tanya.gioia.9/ 🎧 **LISTEN FOR FREE** Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-over-addiction-for-christian-women-navigating/id1438258805 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7vDIdU0qejEuoPI2R3szpH RSS - https://podcasts.helloaudio.fm/podcast/2fbb497f-9ffc-4d8a-802b-c862437fb6ee/8V4vMD8N9v 🙏 **LEAVE A REVIEW** If this episode spoke to you, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others find the show! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-over-addiction-for-christian-women-navigating/id1438258805 **Are you caught in the chaos of addiction, constantly cleaning up emotional, spiritual, and physical messes that aren't yours?** Welcome to *Faith Over Addiction*, where faith meets real life. Hosted by Family Recovery Coach **Tanya Gioia**, this podcast is designed to offer Christian women hope, healing, and practical tools to navigate the challenges of loving someone with addiction. Through biblical truths, heartfelt stories, and actionable guidance, you’ll learn how to set healthy boundaries, find peace in the mess, and reclaim your God-given identity. You don’t have to carry what was never meant to be yours. It’s time to shift from “this is happening to me” to “this is happening for me,” and let God transform the chaos into something that glorifies Him. Every week, I’m here to encourage you, offer clarity, and remind you that as a daughter of the King, **You Always Have Other Options (YAHOO)**. Together, we’ll embrace faith as the foundation, boundaries as the bridge to healing, and God’s truth as the ultimate guide to freedom, strength, and grace. Blessings, **Tanya Gioia** 🌸 🎵 **Music Credit:** Track: Luz Solart Artist: Luna Cantina Album: Luz Solart Released: 2024