Reflections on the Internet, Tips for Use
I still remember the good old days. Hours spent at the library researching some interesting topic; waiting eagerly each morning for the newspaper to hit the doorstep so I could get the latest news hot off the press; or carefully writing a letter home to Mom.
Now, all that seems to be a distant memory. Just a couple of clicks of the mouse, day or night, and suddenly we're all world travelers. In seconds, you can check in at the Vatican, catch up on the news from Bombay or "instant message" the family back home in Michigan.
Like most travel, the Internet superhighway can be fascinating and can open broad new horizons, but it also can be dangerous. So, before you fasten the seatbelt and venture out, I thought I would offer a few tips for the road for you and your family.
Tune Up the Vehicle
Before a family road trip, you would want to check the engine fluids, the tire pressure, even the battery. After all, you want to travel safely, especially if you have children. You know that a few minutes at the beginning can prevent terrible tragedy later on. In the same way, you need to take some safety precautions before you start your Internet travel
Particularly if you have children, it is important to use filtering software that blocks certain websites with words or content inappropriate for young people. Many products are on the market, but each one differs in how it works so look at them carefully to find the best features to ensure your family's safety
If your Internet service provider gives you the option of keeping a record of websites visited, do it. Know where your children are traveling. Spend time with your children while they are online. Put the family's computer in the den or another public room so you can see where your children go, not tucked away in their bedrooms where they may be cruising dangerous Internet highways alone. After all, you don't hand the car keys to your children until they are mature enough to drive responsibly so why would you leave them to travel online by themselves
Look Both Ways
Use caution when you travel on the Internet and check the signs carefully. Anyone can post a website for just a few dollars so it's hard to know what is true and what isn't. For example, how do you know if a "Catholic" website is truly Catholic? While many wonderful sites may help you say the rosary, find a Mass while on vacation or research a difficult topic, others unfortunately give out erroneous information in an attempt to deceive people. It's best to start with an official page from the Vatican (www.vatican.va), the U.S. Bishops (www.nccbuscc.org) or the Archdiocese (www.adw.org). Then, choose a road connected to these websites. If you have a question about whether a place you've visited is truly Catholic, e-mail the Archdiocese ([email protected]) and ask if we have information on that website. We'll do our best to help you
Also, some websites may pretend to be religious or child-friendly, but may actually be entries to pornography, violence or other dangerous and immoral material. So, use your common sense and be careful to look both ways before venturing onto a new road
Don't Forget "Real World" Rules
The rules of the real world also apply to the virtual world. Remind your children (and remember yourself): do not give personal information to strangers you meet online just like you don't give it to strangers you meet in person. That includes your name, address, phone number, credit card numbers or password. It is extremely important to be cautious on the Internet since it is so anonymous. How do you really know that the people you are corresponding or chatting with are who they say they are? It is easy to pretend to be someone you are not when you can't be seen. Sadly, the Internet has been used to prey upon our young children or even adults who agree to meet an online "friend"in person
Also, don't let your own anonymity tempt you into pretending to be someone you are not or venturing into websites you know are immoral or inconsistent with your beliefs "just to see."This is a dangerous road to start down
Watch Out for Detours
You may start out innocently enough, looking for information on your favorite musical group or author, but somehow in your search, a link detours you into a website that you didn't expect. If that happens, don't just forge ahead unknowingly. Surprises can be interesting and fun, but not when they end in dark alleys. Use your judgment and get back on the main road as soon as possible if you see something that is inappropriate! Don't encourage websites that promote harmful information
Don't Leave Your Family At Home
Don't head out on your own and forget your family. Limit the amount of time you spend online and away from your spouse and children. And, be cautious about what you are doing. Are you spending time chatting with someone of the opposite sex? Are you beginning to engage in intimate conversation or to think a lot about the person when you aren't online? Are you visiting pornographic or violent websites? Please don't! Do not let the Internet pull you away from your family. I am very saddened by the stories I have heard of families whose lives have been torn apart because a parent spent hours online and created a virtual life for themselves, apart from their families. Your spouse and your children deserve and want your time. Don't risk that life you have built for something that is not real
On the positive side, the Internet can be a wonderful tool to bring families together. Encourage your children to e-mail grandparents and cousins; send photographs of your new baby to far-flung relatives, or arrange a "chat" or videoconference for family members so you can stay in touch even though you may live thousands of miles apart
Be a Good Consumer
If your car (or tires) are not safe, you demand the manufacturer fix the problem. After all, companies have a responsibility to be good corporate citizens. The same holds for the Internet. Internet service providers have a responsibility to take precautions so consumers are as safe as possible. They should not host intentionally misleading, erroneous or illegal information. Encourage them to adopt voluntary codes of conduct. In fact, ask your provider if it has a code of conduct for its users and what you should do if you or your children receive pornography or unwanted e-mail or if you find a website with illegal or misleading material
For More Tips
I hope this short guide encourages you to surf the Net a bit more safely. More information to assist families is available in the U.S. Bishops' new statement, “Your Family and Cyberspace,” available online at www.nccbuscc.org/comm/ cyberspace.htm.
Copyright © 2000 Archdiocese of Washington, DC. All rights reserved.
For further reading:
Protect Yourself from the Internet's Moral Dangers
Boys and Girls and Online Porn
This item 3516 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org
