When the Enemy Hunts Your Kids: Teaching Them to Run to Jesus

This was a question from a recent parenting seminar we hosted: What tips can you give about navigating your child being exposed to pornography and helping them not have that become a stronghold in their life?

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Every parent who loves Jesus longs to raise children who love Him too. We pray they’ll grow up devoted to God, pure in heart, strong in faith, and rooted in truth. But parenting in today’s world can feel like standing guard in a spiritual battlefield. We sense the pull of the culture, the flood of images, and the endless distractions calling for our kids’ attention and affection.

A few years ago, I found myself stressing about my kids growing up, about the pain they might face, the temptations they’ll encounter, and the possibility that they could live from a false identity instead of knowing who they truly are in Christ. I remember thinking, “How can I keep them from running to the same sinful things I did?”

During prayer one day, I sensed the Lord speak to my fear. He said something like: “Evil will come after your children, but your task isn’t to live in anxiety. Your task is to train them to know where to run when darkness comes close.”

That realization reshaped my parenting. My goal isn’t to shield my kids from every dark thing or every difficult situation, or even from every temptation. My goal is to teach them how to run to Jesus quickly whenever temptation or pain comes.

When I Saw IT for the First Time

I was around twelve or thirteen the first time I saw pornography. It happened on a school bus, passed between kids who didn’t fully understand what they were looking at. I remember the confusion, part curiosity, part shame, and then the silence. No one talked about it, and I didn’t know what to do with what I had seen.

Looking back, I realize that silence is where shame grows. What I needed most wasn’t condemnation or fear, it was connection. Someone who could have helped me understand what I saw and reminded me that my heart was made for something better.

Exposure Is Likely, But Captivity Isn’t

Research shows the average age of first exposure to pornography is around 12 years old, and that over 70% of boys and 60% of girls have seen online pornography by age 17.¹ Even children raised in strong Christian homes are not immune. Some studies show even younger, as young as 8 years old. 

That can sound discouraging, but it’s actually an invitation. It means our children’s safety doesn’t rest on our ability to block every image or lock down every device. It rests on the relationship we build and the refuge we offer. Exposure may be likely, but captivity is not inevitable.

Let’s Talk About Sex Because God Does

Sex is a normal, beautiful part of life. It was God’s idea. Just because we’re Christians doesn’t mean we have to shy away from talking about it. In fact, silence in the church has often left space for the world to disciple our kids instead.

Of course, there are age-appropriate ways to talk about sex and desire. But we should be asking ourselves, would I rather my kids learn about sex from me, or from Taylor Swift and Pornhub?

When we treat sex as something sacred rather than secret, we teach our children that God’s design is good and His boundaries are loving. Conversations about sex don’t corrupt our kids; they equip them to recognize counterfeit intimacy when they see it.

The Power of Vulnerability

When kids are exposed to pornography, they don’t just need rules, they need refuge. The most powerful thing a parent can do in that moment is to stay calm and connected. Panic or shame closes hearts, but vulnerability opens them.

Tell them, “You’re not dirty for seeing that.” Remind them, “You can always come to me.” If appropriate, share your own story, how you’ve wrestled with temptation or how Jesus has healed parts of your heart. When parents model honesty, kids learn that grace is stronger than guilt.

The enemy’s power thrives in secrecy, but Jesus’ power thrives in light. “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

Creating a Relationship of Openness

This can’t just be a one-time talk. It’s an ongoing relationship of openness. Make conversations about sex, temptation, and technology part of your family rhythm, not reactions to crises. Ask questions that open doors.

Celebrate honesty. Keep your tone curious and calm. When your kids confess, thank them for their courage. That teaches them that confession leads to connection, not punishment.

Our goal isn’t to raise unexposed kids. It’s to raise kids who know what to do when they are exposed.

Hope and Redemption

The story doesn’t end with exposure. It begins with redemption. Jesus can restore purity, heal memories, and renew hearts. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

Parents, don’t fear the hunt of the evil one. Train your children to find Jesus quickly. When they fall, teach them to turn toward the One who already ran toward them.

You don’t have to be a perfect parent, just a present one. The world may be dark, but the light of Christ is stronger still.

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¹ Sources:Common Sense Media, “Teens and Pornography” (2022); Barna Group, “The Porn Phenomenon” (2016); Journal of Adolescent Health, Vol. 64 No. 2 (2019).