Prime minister David Cameron is expected to consult in the next few weeks on whether ISPs, such as BT and Virgin media, should block adult material as a default for customers.
The tough measures will mean that millions of internet users will be forced to opt in if they wish to view pornography online….More at Pornography online: David Cameron to consider 'opt in' plan
This is a group that we think highly of, here is an article that was published about their mission to help people.
There’s a new drug out there and, alas, it has nothing to do with Huey Lewis and the News (sorry Huey Lewis and the News fans). It’s a drug that can’t be ingested, smoked, or shot up. This drug is pornography, and it’s just as profitable–and apparently dangerous–as cocaine. Or so says a new Salt Lake City-based non-profit group that calls itself “Fight the New Drug.”
The group that came into existence in 2010, according to its website, purports that pornography has very dangerous consequences on our youth (mostly our youths’ socks) and its aim is to educate our nation’s youth on the deleterious effects of constant porn use. Now, in this day in age where crazy, right-wing Christian Taleban, including our Republican presidential candidates, are railing against pornography like a militant Ned Flanders, it’s almost automatic for the uninitiated to think of this anti-pornography group as yet another Republican fringe group.
However, Fight the New Drug purports to have no political and/or religious motivations and ties, according to its website.
Fight the New Drug takes a non-legislative, non-judgmental approach. We recognize an individual’s right to view and produce pornography, however, once they are educated on the harmful effects of pornography we believe they will choose to avoid it. We only wish to educate about the negative effects of pornography on individuals, families, and businesses. In our research, we’ve found that many people, especially Americans, automaticaly assume that the anti-pornography movement is at odds with First Amendment freedoms. Under that perception, people are asked to weigh the importance of free speech against the damaging effects of pornography.
Fight the New Drug rejects this perception and we will position ourselves as anti-porn, pro-free speech.
Fight the New Drug’s message is based on science and facts. In a sense, science is an international currency. We explain why porn is harmful by educating people about the negative psychological and physical reactions it causes. We do not affiliate ourselves with any religious groups or political agendas. (Source: Fight The New Drug)
And just in case you’re still not convinced that this group isn’t just a puffed up Abstinence Only copycat, no video produced Bristol Palin. In fact, one of it’s more recent videos looks no different from any ad one would find on MTV. Better yet, it doesn’t look like fodder for that god awful train wreck of a show on TLC known as “Strange Addictions.” Quite honestly, it appears to just be a committed group of people who happen to legitimately want to aid and assist teens in their pron addiction. There really doesn’t appear to be any indication that it’s a front group doing the bidding of the religious wackos.
According to the website, “this movement is the result of many years spent developing ideas and researching the effects of pornography. Taking a fresh approach to the issue, we’re a non-profit organization dedicated to help the young generation educate itself with the facts on pornography. We hope you will join us in this fight.”
It probably should be noted, however, that mental health professionals have no standard criteria that could diagnose porn as an addiction. In fact, according to a pscyhologytoday.com, internet porn addiction is really no different than a video game addiction. So it’s probably unlikely that World of Warcraft gets you hot and drains your bank account. You be the judge.
Michael Hayne is a comedian/VO artist/Columnist extraordinaire. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
To learn more about Saavi Accountability and how it can help you overcome porn addiction and more go to https://www.saaviaccountability.com
Many people have associated Saavi Accountability with solving the problem of porn addiction. Saavi Accountability though works for all online addictions.
For more information about Saavi Accountability check out our website at https://www.saaviaccountability.com
Psychologist Philip Zimbardo talked about the increasing failure of boys and men to engage with women in education and in social relationships, and how more men than ever are retreating to the ‘safety’ of male-only pursuits like pubs, strip clubs, and sporting events. As causes, he cites the near ubiquity of both video gaming and pornography industries, which encourage solo activity and give a stunted and unrealistic view of relationships with ‘real’ women.
Psychologist Philip Zimbardo asks, “Why are boys struggling?” He shares some stats (lower graduation rates, greater worries about intimacy and relationships) and suggests a few reasons — and he asks for your help! Watch his talk, then take his short 10-question survey: http://on.ted.com/PZSurvey
Sometimes being a good accountability partner can feel a little uncomfortable or intrusive. Saavi Accountability is built on relationship. Just like any relationship, Communication and Availability are important aspects in being an accountability partner.
Remember, it is not your role to be a professional therapist! As an accountability partner you just need to provide a safe place for your partner to come and disclose the information about their struggles, be available, and provide the encouragement necessary.
Part III – No Pressure
Watch this video as Todd Bowman, PhD, LPC discusses the role of accountability partners.
In the second part of this series, Saavi founder, Justen Wack talks about the shift from what we traditionally think of as an accountability relationship to more of a “two-way street” approach.
Part II – A 2-Way Street
So many times accountability relationships consist of a couple of things…1. Confiding in a friend and asking them to hold you accountable, or 2. Joining a group of men or women, meeting for coffee once a week and going through a list of questions.
I’m not suggesting these situations aren’t good, but in my experience, they usually fizzle out after a period of time. And, many times, it’s right when we need the support the most.
Unlike everything else out there, Saavi Accountability is designed from the perspective that there is a desire to change the behavior from the inside out. To make it personal instead of a relying on a piece of technology that is supposed to “fix this struggle” for me and my family.
Overcoming these issues of online porn, gaming, and even struggles offline take a decision for ourselves and the discipline to stick to it. There will certainly be times when you feel alone and will probably be times where you fall. The important thing is that you don’t let the shame that comes with that to drive you back into the behavior. Pick yourself up and start over! (Keep an eye out for a new Saavi video series on “Porn & Shame!”)
Take it one day at a time! Don’t put the all the pressure on your partners or group. We need each other…without question! This is NOT an issue we can beat on our own. But, also remember to start recognizing the triggers that drive you into these behaviors and reach out to your accountability partner in advance. Instead of waiting for them to call and ask you how you are doing, call and let them know that you feel the temptation coming on. Tell them that you would appreciate them just calling or texting you over the next couple days making sure you are living to the standards you have set for yourself!
This is what I have found useful in my journey. I have come to a point where my accountability partner doesn’t even ask me the “questions” on his own. When I start recognizing the temptation coming on or the struggle starting to get overwhelming, I immediately reach out to him reminding him to help over the next couple days.
For more information go to https://www.saaviaccountability.com
One of the most frequent questions we get is about the relationship that happens between accountability partners. What does that relationship look like? What should it look like? What should I ask?
Part I – Triggers
Accountability goes beyond simply stopping a particular incident or behavior. Several questions can help discover what may be instigating the incident in the first place. There is something that triggers the activity. What can an accountability partner ask to help make this discovery? Here are a few suggestions:
The idea of the questions is to discover what is driving the behavior? Other questions can arise from listening carefully to what the respondent is saying. You may hear some things that bring questions to your mind. Don’t be afraid to ask them. It is like peeling the layers back on an onion; don’t be surprised at some tears.
We can help stop an incident or we can go a bit deeper and help discover what might be driving the behavior in the first place. From there, healing can take place. Most of our behaviors are driven by some other factor or feeling. If we can discover what is causing the pain that someone is trying medicate, then we can help a person experience healing for shame and trauma.
Go ahead … ask those deeper, tougher questions. Discover the cause and the problem can be healed.
Dr. Mark Hanson
Founder of Hanson Retreats
Blog: drmarkhanson.wordpress.com
For more information about Saavi Accountability check out our website at https://www.saaviaccountability.com
Dr. Todd Bowman discusses technology and internet addiction.
For more information go to https://www.saaviaccountability.com
