Anime: Gateway to Porn?

With so many different levels of anime intertwined with our pop culture, where do we draw the line with our kids? How do we keep them safe? 

Related Article: Five Things Parents Need to Know About Anime

Pokemon. Digimon. Manga. Hentai. All of these things are considered “anime” … but what should we allow in our homes? Does “innocent” content lead our kids into darker places? How slippery is the slope? How do we have these conversations with our kids? Lacy Bentley is an expert on these issues, starting out as an anime-obsessed teen girl herself, and now working as a coach, mother, author, and activist who teaches parents how to keep their families safe! Join us as we tackle this tricky topic together and unravel many of the mysteries of anime.

Lacy Bentley is a women’s recovery coach, international best selling author, and mom of 4 boys. She feels parents are the ultimate defense between kids and the harms of porn and Hentai. Lacy has a special offer you don’t want to miss! Check out the details below.

For MSM Listeners: Free one-on-one coaching session with Lacy. Are you struggling with anime issues at your house? Not sure what to do? Lacy is offering a free 30-minute coaching session exclusively to our listeners. Click here to contact us if you’re interested! (Subject: Anime Coaching with Lacy)

Highlights from this episode:

-There is a difference between cartoons that have sexualized characters and anime that can turn quickly into pornographic content (Hentai). We need to teach our kids how to be alert and discerning when it comes to ANY sexualized content–in anime and everywhere!

-When we notice sexualized content in cartoons (for instance, a sexy girl on Pokemon, or a boy’s eyes bugging out of his head when he sees a pretty girl) we can take the opportunity to talk to our kids. Take the time to teach kids the difference between healthy relationships and what they see in the media.

-Try to lay down boundaries with your kids about what it is and is not ok without destroying the relationship.

-Let your kids be the teachers. They love to feel important! Ask them questions about things you don’t understand, and they will be more than happy to show you how smart they are. This is a great way to build your relationship, and you’ll also learn what you want to know. (Kids are way cooler than Google! Talk to them.)

-Praise your kids when they do self-regulate.

-Understand that anime is saturated in our culture and cannot reasonably be avoided altogether. Know the spectrum.

-Some forms of anime, like manga (Japanese comics), actually have a rating system. Look on the cover for the rating, and know that “T” for teen and “OT” for older teen lean towards adult content.

-Be aware: When our kids are allowed to cross age barriers in media–like anime–adult content and inappropriate behavior is likely to cross over into real life.

-Here is a (very small!) list of some of the anime terms that have found their way into popular culture. For more terms and their definitions, follow the links at the bottom of our show notes.

1. Hentai – Anime porn (Japanese word for “pervert”)
2. Wifu/Husbando – Anime characters on pillows
3. Chibi – Small and cute
4. Senpai – A lover, usually older and often a mentor
5. Yandere – A homicidal (crazed) lover
6. Tsundere – Someone who is originally mean, but ends up being sweet
7. Baka – Dummy. Idiot. Stupid. “Baka!”
8. Manga – Japanese comics
9. Yaoi/Yuri – Manga with homosexual love stories
10. Weeaboo – “Weeb” A non-Japanese person who is obsessed with Japan or Japanese things
11. Cosplay – “Costume play” Dressing up like anime characters
12. Loli – Young, innocent (usually female) characters
13. Ecchi – playfully sexual, dirty humor (panty shots, nosebleeds, perverted situations)

Challenge: Create a “do-want” list for healthy sexuality as a family. (Instead of concentrating on the negative–what you don’t want–focus on what you “do want.”)

Links/Resources:

Five Things Kids Need Parents to Know About Anime (article)

Your Anime Vocabulary Starter Guide (article)

A Glossary Of Anime Terms You Really Have To Know To Be An Otaku (article)

What are the age ratings in manga?

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Media Savvy Moms Podcast

Who knew honest conversations about parenting and pornography could be so approachable? Join Marilyn for a series of contemplations, chats, and interviews as she helps fellow parents tackle this challenging topic with their kids.

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