Catholic, Orthodox Churches Partner On Website To Help Parents Keep Children Safe Online

WASHINGTON—The Communications Departmentof the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Greek OrthodoxArchdiocese of America (GOA) have launched www.faithandsafety.org, a resource for adults to help childrensafely navigate online. The website and complementary social media channels (https://twitter.com/faithandsafety and https://facebook.com/faithandsafety) address safe use of the Internet,mobile devices and other technology, emphasizing the positive use of technologyto support children's faith. June is Internet Safety Month.

Theinitiative is funded by a grant from the Catholic Communication Campaign, whichreceives donations from U.S. Catholics.

"Ourchildren look to their parents for wisdom and guidance. However, many parentsfeel somewhat ill-equipped to help their children traverse the unfamiliar terrainof the digital social world," said Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek OrthodoxChurch in America. "This joint initiative between our two Churches is apositive step in helping parents equip their children in the digital world. Wehave a responsibility to the Lord Himself Who said, 'Let the children come untoMe' (Matt 19.14)."

"Faithandsafety.orgis intended to be not only a set of practical tools and guides for adults, butalso a place where they can find a faith framework for conversations with theirchildren about the need to be ethically and morally equipped when they goonline," said Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, chairman of the USCCBCommittee on Communication. "We believe that this site, presented from theperspective of the Greek Orthodox and Catholic Church, provides a uniqueperspective on being missionaries of faith on the Digital Continent."

Contenton the site includes mobile app reviews, how to address issues faced bychildren online, such as bullying, and resources to educate parents onprotecting their home networks. Content will be expanded over the next severalmonths and feature regular columns by leading Catholic and Orthodox figures onconnecting faith and technology, as well as news updates, how-to guides andvideo content.

Faithandsafety.orgwill feature content by Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org), an independent nonprofit organizationdedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of media andtechnology.

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Keywords:USCCB, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, GOA, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese ofAmerica, Common Sense Media, CSM, Internet safety, protecting children, NewEvangelization

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