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  S.C. Diocese Emphasizes Appropriate Internet Use in New Policies

Georgia Bulletin
December 29, 2011

http://www.georgiabulletin.org/world/2011/12/28/NEWS-1/

The revised sexual abuse prevention policies of the Diocese of Charleston clearly spell out how church personnel can and cannot use modern technology in their work with youths. The 76-page document signed by Charleston Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone Dec. 12 highlights the need for church personnel to carefully monitor their use of the Internet from emails, blogs, online social networks and online games. It prohibits church personnel from using personal email to contact children and also prohibits them from playing online games with minors late at night. The document says church personnel cannot use social networking sites such as Facebook for personal communications with children and they should avoid using cell phones to contact children. It also says church personnel should not monitor a minor's activity on the Internet, describing that as a parent's function. It requires two adults to regularly monitor church-sponsored Internet content that should primarily be used for providing information on upcoming activities, calendars of events, spiritual links and prayer resources. The new policies also advise church personnel to copy other adult volunteers, teachers, catechists or parents on any email communication with minors. The policies will go into effect April 15, allowing time for volunteers and church personnel to receive training. It replaces a 1994 diocesan policy that was updated in 2002.

 
 

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