Should I allow My Son to Watch the Conquer Series

When parents ask, “Should I let my teenage son watch the Conquer Series?” - the answer is far from simple. It’s a deeply personal decision that requires discernment, awareness, and active involvement.

The Conquer Series is a powerful tool designed to help men break free from pornography and sexual sin. But when it comes to minors, especially under 18, parents must weigh several factors carefully.

Let’s take a moment and go over some key things to consider when making that decision.

Questions to Consider

If your son is under 18, here are crucial considerations:

• Maturity & Past Exposure
  Is your child already aware of or struggling with sexual temptations?
  Have they been exposed to pornography?
  Are they emotionally and spiritually ready to handle the sensitive content?
  
• Context & Leadership
  Is this part of a church, school, or boys home program?
  Who is leading the group?
  Have the leaders themselves completed the Conquer Series?
  Are there at least two vetted leaders present (never just one adult)?
  Have all leaders undergone background checks?
  
  (Side note - We should be able to trust that church is the safest place for our children. Sadly, we live in a different world.
  
  1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before age 18, and often by someone the family knows. Churches are not immune. A major investigation found 700 victims abused by 380 church leaders and volunteers over 20 years, many due to lack of background checks and safeguards.
  
  This is why church leadership must take active steps: run thorough background checks, enforce two-adult policies, and train staff to spot grooming behaviors.
  
  No one - and no place - is exempt. Protecting children requires vigilance everywhere, including the church.

WATCH THE CONQUER SERIES TRAILER

• Parental Permission & Involvement:
  Are parents required to sign waivers granting permission?
  Can you volunteer to help lead or attend alongside your child?
  
• Alternatives:
  Remember, your son (or daughter) doesn’t have to go through it in a group. You, as the parent, can lead him through the series privately at home, fostering open dialogue in a safe environment.

What Age Is Too Early?

This is ultimately your decision as a parent. Many groups do not introduce the Conquer Series until at least age 12, but maturity varies. It’s not uncommon to see the series used in high schools, church youth groups, or therapeutic boys’ homes.

No matter what, you should be fully aware and involved if your son joins a group - ensuring safeguards and spiritual guidance are in place.

Why Proactive Teaching Is Critical: Stats on Early Exposure

Sadly, the conversation around pornography isn’t optional anymore. The data is alarming:

• 93% of boys and 62% of girls are exposed to online pornography during adolescence.
  
• The average age of first exposure is now 11 years old, with some studies showing children as young as 8 encountering explicit content.
  
• Regular exposure to pornography as a minor can lead to brain rewiring, addiction patterns, anxiety, and distorted views of sex and relationships.

Remember, your child’s first exposure to explicit content may not even happen on their own device - it often happens while looking at a friend’s phone, tablet, or gaming console.

In fact, studies show that over 40% of children first encounter pornography on a device that doesn’t belong to them, such as at a friend’s house, on the school bus, or during a sleepover.

This is why it’s critical to teach your child how to respond when - not if - they come across inappropriate content, no matter whose screen it appears on.

That’s why parents must proactively teach their children:

• The biblical truth about sexuality and purity.
  
• How to avoid pornography, resist temptation, and what to do if they see something inappropriate.

The Role of Devices: Why You Should Rethink Access

If your child has a smartphone, tablet, gaming device, or access to a smart tv, strict oversight is critical.

Why?

• Teens with unfettered device access are 5 times more likely to intentionally seek out pornography.
  
• Excessive screen time is linked to:
  
  • Reduced brain gray matter in critical areas tied to impulse control and decision-making.
    
  • Higher rates of depression and anxiety.
    
  • Impaired social skills and empathy development.
    
  • A weakened ability to connect spiritually, replacing meaningful quiet time with dopamine-chasing behaviors.

You may need to reconsider if, when, and how long your child is on a device. Tools like parental controls, accountability software, and family tech agreements are vital.

WATCH HOW THE BRAIN BECOMES ADDICTED TO PORN
Soul Refiner members get full access to all videos in the library!

Be Wise, Be Present

Letting your son go through the Conquer Series can be a wise decision if:

1. He’s mature enough.
2. You’re actively involved or fully trust the leadership.
3. Safeguards are in place - background checks, multiple leaders, signed waivers.
4. And most importantly, if it’s bathed in prayer and open communication.

Whether you lead him through it at home or allow him to participate in a group, do what’s best for your unique family situation - with eyes wide open.

Break the chains so your son never wears them. Join the movement. Conquer Series.

Need Guidance?

If you’d like help figuring out how to discuss these issues with your child, or if you want resources on setting up healthy device boundaries, reach out. You’re not alone in this journey. Use the free digital download with some basic tips on how to start the conversation with your teen and steps you can take now to protect your most valuable asset - your child.