Students and faculty at BYU agree to avoid Internet content and activities that are not "virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy" (Articles of Faith 1:13). The BYU Honor Code states:
All students shall be required to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the BYU Honor Code. . . . Involvement with gambling; pornographic, erotic, or indecent material; disorderly, obscene, or indecent conduct or expressions; or with other offensive materials, expressions, or conduct or disruption of the peace that, in the sole discretion and judgment of the university, is inconsistent with the principles of the Church and the BYU Honor Code is not permitted in student housing. . . . The standards expressed above apply to students at all times whether on or off campus.
Not only does viewing pornographic content jeopardize your status at BYU, it demeans Heavenly Father's children, it "destroys spirituality," and "inflicts mortal wounds on our most precious personal relationships" (See Elder Dallin H. Oaks' talk on Pornography).
In the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, we learn that we should not attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is vulgar, immoral, violent, pornographic in any way, or that presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable. These same rules still apply on the Internet. Viewing degrading material on the Internet dulls your sensitivity to the Spirit and can make you less able to respond to others in a sensitive and caring way. Viewing pornography on the Internet is extremely dangerous as it can take control of your life, lead you to sexual transgression and criminal behavior, and also impact the relationships you have with your friends and family.
If you find it difficult to avoid inappropriate sites, we encourage you to take immediate action. Restrict your use of computers to a public area. Wherever possible, install filtering software on the computers you use. Ask for assistance from leaders, friends and family members. Confession to your bishop will play any essential role in this process:
An unintentional encounter with pornography may not require confession to your bishop. However, if you seek out pornography intentionally or if you repeatedly indulge in it or rationalize its use, you should discuss the matter with your bishop.
Your bishop cares about your spiritual welfare. He wants to help you. You may feel reluctant to disclose your problem with pornography to him. You may feel embarrassed or unsure of what to expect. Do not allow your fears to deprive you of the blessings of repentance. Through the Spirit, your bishop can understand your concerns, and he will help you repent. He can become a great ally.
Be honest with your bishop. Do not hide or minimize your sin. Your honesty will help him understand the extent and seriousness of your problem. He will keep your discussions confidential (See Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts).
Together with your bishop, you may decide that you need professional counseling to help you overcome pornography. Free and confidential counseling services are available through the BYU Counseling and Career Center located in the Wilkinson Center.
