Study: Teens Find Ways to Access Porn Despite Net Filters

UTAH VALLEY, Utah — At a recent Brigham Young University conference experts warned parents that despite the installation of online porn filters, teenagers are finding ways to access adult content.

There are only a few ways to access pornography once filters are installed. Some filters automatically shut down Internet access after 10 p.m., so some teens log in early, turn the computer monitor off so it appears the computer is shut down and then sneak back after parents are asleep to surf porn.

"I have emails from parents whose child had managed to create an invisible user account," said Charles Knutson, a computer science BYU teacher. "I'm a computer science professor but that doesn't mean I know everything. My first reaction was can you do that? I dove in and I was shocked. You can do that."

According to conference speakers, even if filter software is impenetrable, neighbors may inadvertently offer porn to teens since many do not realize a neighbor's wireless Internet access spills over from one house to another, allowing teens to log in and access adult content.

"There are kids who are building a Linux boot disc, and they throw in a CD and you bypass everything," Knutson said. "There are bootable USB drives. There really is a subset of kids who are both tech savvy and committed to accessing inappropriate materials."

Experts said crafting ways to overcome software filters can be part of the attraction for teens and teens have a tech-savvy social network, passing around information and educating each other on ways to access porn on the sly.

In addition, Internet-capable cellphones are bringing porn to schools. "I have clients looking at porn on their cellphones while sitting in math class," said Dan Gray, clinical director of LifeSTAR, a sex and pornography addiction treatment program.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Nominees for Online Industry Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the online industry edition of the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, set to be presented as part of the annual XBIZ Honors ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 14 in conjunction with the XBIZ 2026 digital media conference.

AEBN Publishes Report on POV Trends

AEBN has published a report on POV and gonzo categories from its straight and gay theaters.

Joybear Pictures to Launch 'I Really Love' Studio Imprint

Joybear Pictures has announced that its new studio imprint, I Really Love, will launch in January.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Life Transitions' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group on navigating transitional and liminal spaces.

CamSoda Launches 'Trick or Tease' AI Companions

CamSoda has launched its Halloween-themed Trick or Tease AI companions.

Russian Lawmakers Call for Age Verification

Two Russian lawmakers have called on the country’s government to implement age verification for adult content.

British Documentary Spotlights XBIZ Amsterdam With Candid Conversations

British creator and host Josh Pieters traveled to XBIZ Amsterdam to film a documentary about the annual European adult industry conference.

XBIZ 2026 to Debut 'New Talent Go-See' Special Event

XBIZ 2026, North America’s premier adult industry conference, will debut a special event designed to help new talent jump-start their careers: the New Talent Go-See.

Penthouse Announces Digital Archive Launch

Penthouse Magazine has announced that it will launch a comprehensive digital archive in 2026.

Dreamcam Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

Dreamcam has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Show More