I found pornographic pictures on my brother's cell phone

Dear Diana, I'm 24 and I recently found some pornographic pictures in my brother's cell phone. He's 18 and I'm worried for him.

I don’t know how to confront him about this. I realise that it’s quite normal for boys his age to ‘explore’ but I’m not so sure whether he’s getting the right kind of knowledge. I didn’t mean to pry when I went through his phone but I doubt whether he has made some really good friends or not. Should I go ahead and talk to him and make him understand that indulgence pornography can be harmful in the long run?
– Mala

Illustration/ Amit Bandre

Dear Mala,
Try telling your brother that you saw some pornographic snapshots on his cell phone and he will yell back at you. He will tell you that you had no business snooping around. May be some friends may have forwarded it to him. Yes, he is at that age but if you accost him, it might backfire. He may turn rebellious. Just let him be, if you find him glued to his cell phone throughout the day, then ask him casually. See how he reacts and then take it forward. I am sure he must have deleted all the snapshots by now. Boys his age want to see and know everything — as long as it does not get addictive.

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