vixter

As a parent of teenagers it is difficult to know what to tell them about this. As already noted sexual drive can be very powerful in different people and trying to get someone to stop can be like telling someone who is severely over weight that they just need to learn some self control and quit eating so much....depending on their genetics, it's not always that easy. Eating and drinking are a form of "self gratification" and many people who have gone without either one for very long will do almost anything to satisfy that desire.

I just started reading this thread and I can't helping thinking that I wish the church would provide better/more information to our youth on masturbation. I believe the latest information given by our general authorities was a talk given by Elder Packer back in the 1970's and is found in a church pamphlet entitled "To young men only" . I find it a little odd that it would be directed at "young men only" when the problem effects both men and women. I think all to often the youth of the church feel that if they masturbate they are committing a sin second only to murder. (and that just isn't true) They figure that since they masturbate and find themselves unable to stop that there is no hope for them and they might as well give in to pornography, fornication and other sins that come their way since it doesn't matter anymore. Sexual drive and sexual feelings are not powers or temptations that Satan has over us. (all though he will use it to his full advantage) This is how we were created by God. We are instructed to learn how to control our desires and feelings, but I know of very few who master this desire immediately. Normally it takes quite a while (especially for men) to control/master it and many I believe never really do. Our youth and members in general who find themselves struggling with masturbation need to realize that this does not mean they are evil and that there is no hope for them. Even if they have not yet learned to control it they are (in most cases unless there are more serious sins) still worthy to attend the temple and be very active and faithful members of the church.