With the passing of age-verification laws, Pornhub is now blocked in 17 US States. While some parents believe this will keep their children from accessing porn, VPNs can easily bypass state restrictions.
What are VPNs?
VPNs (short for Virtual Private Networks) are network architectures that encode your internet traffic. “A VPN establishes a digital connection with a user’s computer and routes it through a remote server owned by a VPN provider which encrypts the personal data.”MacLauchlan, J., & Cone, A. (2025, January 6). Florida VPN Google searches skyrocket after Pornhub blocks state. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/pornhub-florida-vpn-google-searches-skyrocket/Copy Through Virtual Private Networks, users’ privacy is protected. VPNs can change your IP address, hide your activity, and even get around geographic restrictions. Essentially, VPNs allow you to connect to the internet in another state or country.
Unfortunately, this means that with a VPN downloaded, children can go around state restrictions on pornography.
In this article by Business Insider, they found that “searches for VPNs in Florida skyrocketed after Pornhub exited the state,” with VPNMentor detecting “a surge of 1,150% in VPN demand” when the age-verification law came in place.Nelken-Zitser, J. (2025, January 9). After Pornhub left Florida, VPN demand surged by more than 1,000%. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/pornhub-exited-florida-vpn-demand-surged-by-over-1000-percent-2025-1Copy “From the week of Dec. 22 – 28 to Dec. 29 – Jan. 4, searches nearly doubled. Since then, the numbers have gone even higher.”MacLauchlan, J., & Cone, A. (2025a, January 6). Florida VPN Google searches skyrocket after Pornhub blocks state. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/pornhub-florida-vpn-google-searches-skyrocket/Copy
Having adult websites blocked is simply not enough to stop underage users from viewing pornography. There is always a loophole to get through, and with VPNs, your children can connect to the internet in places where Pornhub is not blocked.
So, what can parents do to protect their children?
Engage in open, honest conversations about porn.
This is truly the best way to keep your kids safe. The reality is that 84.4% of boys aged 14-18 and 57% of girls aged 14-18 have seen pornography.https://dev.fightthenewdrug.org/for-parents-caregivers-how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-porn/Copy It is very likely that your child has already seen it or will eventually see it. If they have viewed porn or developed a habit, they could be feeling a lot of shame. Jay Stringer says, “Shame is experienced most acutely when we are seen by the eyes of another.”https://dev.fightthenewdrug.org/3-ways-facing-your-shame-can-help-you-break-free-from-porn/Copy Your children may want to hide or keep it to themselves. They may see their experience with porn as something that makes them unlovable.
By having conversations with your children about sex and pornography, you are creating a safe, trusting environment for them that encourages both awareness and honesty. “Through your discussions, you can help your child develop the tools they need to respond to harmful material in a healthy way.”https://dev.fightthenewdrug.org/for-parents-caregivers-how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-porn/Copy These conversations can also lead to stronger parent-child relationships as you encounter these difficult subjects together.
It is better for your children to learn about these topics from you than to learn about them from media or porn sites.
Where do you start?
If you’re wondering where to get the tools to have these conversations with your kids, Fight The New Drug has a library ready to give you the facts and resources you need.
- Check out our Parents page, which gives you podcast episodes and articles that are more specific to children and parenthood.
- Watch our age-appropriate documentary, Brain Heart World, which highlights the science, research, and true stories of the harmful effects of pornography.
- Look at our YouTube channel, which has podcast episodes, interviews, and videos on the facts.
- Listen to our podcast Consider Before Consuming, where we talk with experts, public figures, and others to discuss their thoughts on porn.
Parents, we know these conversations can be scary. Sometimes, it feels easier to avoid them. Trust us; it is better when parents and kids talk it out. We’re here to help you on this journey.
