"My spouse and I have strict screen policies for our kids, "Tristan" (10) and "Clara" (6). We deliberately chose a circle of parent friends and a private school with similar principles. My brother "Hunter" (who has no kids) is extremely scornful of this, and expresses his opinion at every opportunity, saying we are turning our kids into social rejects (he uses a slur instead)."
"This past weekend, my spouse had to work while I took Clara to an all-day event, so Tristan was supposed to stay with a friend. Tristan's friend woke up with strep throat, and none of his others were available, so I took him to my parents' house. Hunter stopped by to mooch more money and food off our parents, and after making fun of Tristan for reading a book, gave him free use of his phone."
"Dear Horrified, Tristan searched for porn. According to him he didn't really want to, since we have already had conversations about how it's unrealistic and can be exploitative, but he didn't want his uncle to think he was a "wimp." I don't know ,and he doesn't remember, what sites he visited, but he followed some series of links and ended up seeing a video of horrific animal abuse."
Parents enforce strict screen policies for Tristan (10) and Clara (6) and chose a like-minded private school and friend group. Brother Hunter, childless, ridicules those rules. When Tristan stayed at grandparents', Hunter gave him his phone after mocking him for reading. Tristan searched for porn to avoid seeming weak to his uncle, followed links, and encountered a video showing horrific animal abuse. He now suffers nightly nightmares, intrusive images, and a sobbing meltdown with violent statements. Parents are furious at Hunter and grandparents and consider contacting police and seeking therapy. The advisor asks clarifying questions about Hunter's role.
Read at Slate Magazine
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