By Ashley Davis
It is in magazines, it is in movies, and now, with the technology of the Internet, pornography is easily accessible to people of all ages in the privacy of their own homes.
Women”s Services and Resources will tackle the growing problem of pornography February 7 in a conference entitled “Cyber Secrets.”
President Merrill J. Bateman will open the seminar and will be followed by various doctors and experts in the field.
Topics of discussion will include effects of and addictions to pornography, protection and prevention, and consumption and treatment.
“While pornography is a concern for women because it promotes their degradation and objectification, Women”s Services is addressing the problem because we feel it is wide spread and everyone should be educated about its effects and dangers,” said Samantha Rushtun, conference coordinator.
The conference is not an attempt to identify those who have a problem, said Adrienne Sotuyo, a Women”s Services coordinator.
Instead, it is meant as a warning and a tool for educating students about the dangers of pornography, she said.
“This is an opportunity for both men and women to become educated and to take part in an effort to limit the growth of pornography in our community and our nation,” Sotuyo said.
Winn Eagan, bishop of the BYU 13th ward, stated President Hinckley has been exceedingly clear about the harm pornography can cause.
“One of the best preventive measures is to help young people find meaningful things to do socially so they can avoid pornography and fill their lives with meaningful activities instead,” he said.
Eagan counsels students to immediately seek out assistance of a bishop or counselor if they have experimented with pornography. Together, they can create a plan of how to fill vulnerable times with service, cultural or recreational activities that are uplifting, he said.
Students are not required to register in advance to participate in the conference. The first session will begin at 9:30 a.m. in room 3228 of the Wilkinson Center. There will be a booth set up in the WSC Terrace for additional information.
