Madras High Court says Gen Z teens must be counselled out of porn addiction; know how counselling helps

The Madras High Court recently expressed concern over the growing porn addiction in Gen Z teenagers and stated that instead of punishment, they should be counselled out of it. Given easy accessibility to digital media, Justice Anand Venkatesh said while hearing a child pornography case, “The Generation Z Children are grappling with this serious problem and instead of damning and punishing them, the society must be mature enough to properly advise and educate them and try to counsel them to get rid of that addiction. The education must start from the school level since exposure to adult material starts at that stage itself.”

Elaborating on the case, the honourable court noted how the principle of ‘operant conditioning’ that rewards an action — could be used to create a desire to repeat it.

Learning from the honourable court’s statement, we spoke to mental health professionals on how the addiction issue can be best tackled and resolved.

Here’s what to consider about addiction (Source: Freepik)

Dr Gorav Gupta, senior psychiatrist, founder, and director, Tulasi Healthcare said that the punishment approach, when dealing with porn addiction is not usually suggested. “Addiction is an intricate issue that mainly originates from underlying psychological, emotional, or relational factors. Punishment may not address the underlying reasons for addiction and might even increase shame and guilt, something that is already prevalent among persons battling with this problem.”

Unlike punishment, which may instill fear and shame, counselling fosters open communication and trust. “Trained professionals guide teens in recognising unhealthy patterns, fostering self-awareness, and building coping mechanisms. It aims to educate them on responsible internet use, healthy relationships, and the potential consequences of excessive exposure to explicit content,” said Dr Sonal Anand, psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road.

So, counselling and therapy are considered the most efficient tools in dealing with porn addiction.

According to Dr Gupta, counselling involves

Understanding the underlying issues

A majority of addiction cases result from deeper emotional or psychological issues. Counselling enables people to investigate these underlying factors including stress, trauma, isolation, or even difficulties in relationships.

Developing coping mechanisms

Counsellors seek to help individuals establish more constructive means of dealing with stress, anxiety, and other triggers that might lead to addictive behaviour.

Building a support system

Building a support network as part of counselling may include friends, family members, or the group’s help. The support system is necessary for recovery. “Counselling emphasises empathy, helping teens develop a positive self-image and fostering resilience. It provides a platform for teens to express concerns, fostering a collaborative effort between counsellors, parents, and educators,” said Dr Sonal.

Encouraging personal growth

Personal development and growth are supported by counselling, enabling people to identify ways healthier than they currently use in which their emotional needs can be met and their lives find meaning and purpose.

It should be said that although counselling is preferred in such cases, the approach can differ for each individual. “Therapy can be individual, group or couple-based and may consist of different therapeutic approaches,” explained Dr Gupta.

Ultimately, counselling empowers Gen Z teens to make informed choices, equipping them with the tools needed to overcome addiction and build a healthier relationship with technology, experts urge. “This approach aligns with a progressive understanding of mental health, promoting rehabilitation over punishment for a more compassionate and effective intervention,” said Dr Sonal.

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