Article August 8, 2005 Issue

KIDS IN CYBERSPACE

By Warren Bolon and Suzanne Smedley

The parents interviewed for this report are thoughtful tech-sentinels for their families. Their care is prayerful and based on mutual trust, yet they also take common-sense steps to protect their children's privacy and security—for example, placing home computers in a central place, not in a child's own room. Internet use is limited, and instant messaging tends to be controlled or not yet allowed. These families generally have rules about downloading files, and use software to block unwanted messages.

You'll also hear from Anne Collier, editor of leading online family newsletter, who points out that because digital communication is increasingly mobile, "legislation and technology can't watch over kids and take care of parental control issues. Parents really are kids' best first line of defense."

In the end, though, for these parents and kids, being thoroughly "cared for, watched over" means that everyone in the family is committed to spiritual self-education and everyday closeness to God. To them, God isn't a fearsome Father-figure, but an omniscient and caring Father-Mother who is both divine Principle and Love, the source of self-control and self-discovery—and a protecting, directing presence in their lives. Meet three families who are on the frontlines in the search for securer, purer communication.

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