A majority of Americans ages 18 to 24 view adult websites online, a survey from Baylor University reveals.

Some 63 percent of these young adults visit porn sites at least occasionally, with 21 percent logging on about once a week and 22 percent navigating there daily to several times per day. Another 20 percent visit such sites once a month or less.

As for other age groups, 49 percent of 25- to 34-year-olds and an equal percentage of those ages 35 to 44 view porn sites. About 11 percent of Americans ages 25 to 34 visit daily or several times a day, and 15 percent visit weekly. Among those ages 35 to 44, 5 percent visit daily or several times per day, and 8 percent visit weekly.

“Our nation is desperate for churches where chains are recognized and broken.” — Beth Grant

Just over one-quarter (26 percent) of Americans ages 45 to 54 view adult sites, as do 20 percent of those ages 55 to 64 and 8 percent of those 65 or older.

Overall, 31 percent of American adults admit to viewing pornographic sites online — including 49 percent of men and 15 percent of women.

Sandra Morgan, director of the Global Center for Women and Justice at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California, says the church is not immune to the damaging effects of pornography.

“Churches must find ways to create safe places to talk about this issue,” Morgan says. “Some people have been introduced at a really young age and have serious addiction issues that need more than willpower to overcome. Others have experienced the fallout in lost relationships, family pain and professional dismissal.”

Beth Grant, co-founder of Project Rescue, says it’s a growing problem church leaders cannot afford to ignore.

“For pastors and leaders who believe Jesus’ mission was to set captives free, these disturbing statistics challenge us to step up and address this bondage for no small number of people within our congregations,” Grant says.

“Our nation is desperate for churches where chains are recognized and broken, and where those addicted to pornography of all ages can be discipled in faith on their journey through the ongoing liberating work of the Spirit.”