Mail: A system for sending and receiving messages electronically over a computer network, as between personal computers A message or messages sent or received by such a system

Texting: The sending of text messages via cell phones or other mobile devices

Sexting “Sexting” means sex texting — sending or receiving a text message that has sexual content. Instant Messaging: often shortened to simply "IM" or "IMing," is the exchange of text messages through a software application in real-time.

Recommended Best Practices

 The same boundaries observed in oral/personal communication should be adhered to when communicating via e-mail/texting.

 E-mail, texting and instant messaging can be saved or forwarded to others. Avoid engaging in any posting or communication that would be misconstrued or

misinterpreted.

 All communication sent digitally is NOT CONFIDENTIAL and may be shared with others.

 E-mail, texting and instant messaging should only be used in one’s professional role and parents should be informed of using this technology for communication

purposes for ministry.

 Communications should occur in appropriate timeframes for ministry.

 It is encouraged to e-mail, text or instant message the parent/guardian the same communication.

 Minister should use supervise and use caution when allowing children/youth access to their phones/computers etc.

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Blog: A blog (a contraction of the term “web log”) is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. “Blog” can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog. (USCCB Social Media Guidelines)

* Examples: There are many types of blogs on sites throughout the Internet. They are common for celebrities, writers, journalists, etc. WordPress is one of the more popular tools used to create blogs.

Micro-blog: This form of multimedia blogging allows users to send brief text updates or to publish micromedia such as photos or audio clips, to be viewed either by anyone or by a restricted group, which can be chosen by the user. These messages can be submitted by a variety of means, including text messaging, instant messaging, e-mail, digital audio, or through a Web interface. The content of a micro-blog differs from a traditional blog in that it is typically smaller in actual size and aggregate file size. A single entry could consist of a single sentence or fragment, an image, or a ten-second video. (USCCB Social Media Guidelines)

* Example: Twitter is a form of micro-blogging in which entries are limited to 140 characters. Recommended Best Practices

 Professional/ministry based blogs should only be utilized to promote upcoming events/programs for the purpose of providing resources and information within the ministry setting and should reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church.

 Blogs are an effective way to distribute fliers for events and programs.

 The blog needs to be monitored by at least 2 adults and no minor name or information should be posted.

 Extreme caution should be taken that so that information regarding personal blogs is not available to minors.

Online Video and Chat Rooms

Online Video: Internet video sites are called websites that show content in the form of videos. These internet sites oftentimes permit watchers to look at the wide awry of videos that are hosted with their internet site*.

Chat Room: A place online where a group of people can get together

and chat about a particular subject or just to chat. Usually you will need to sign in at least so you have a name in the room and then you can see who else is in the room. Some chat rooms allow you to talk to one individual without the others seeing your conversation

Recommended Best Practices

 At no time is one to one video or chat room interaction appropriate between adults and minors.

 It is recommended that streaming video be used for education, communication and promotional purposes.

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 Always remember that, even on the worldwide web, others may recognize us as representing the Catholic Church when we post our personal opinions or engage in discussions.

Securing Private Information Recommended Best Practices.

 Have qualified IT personnel create and manage any secure web forms to safeguard private information.

 If possible, have all financial transactions “in real time” that is, on a commerce website that can process the credit card transaction on line, thus assuring that no financial data will be communicated to the parish/organization.

 Acquire a third party secure certificate (for example, VeriSign, Geo Trust, etc.) for any web server that will handle SSL (“https ://”) transmissions.

Recommendations for using pictures on the web Option 1:

If photos of students/parishioners on parish web sites are going to be used it is advisable to do so without publishing names. If individuals are uncomfortable with a particular photo, simply delete it from the website. If you would like to use names, we recommend you receive permission. In case of using names with a minor, written permission from the parent is advisable.

Option 2:

Some parishes may prefer to have written permission on hand. This can be done by simply adding a statement with a line for the parent’s signature on the release and liability form for that activity

Option 3

Prior to the beginning of the year, if a handbook is distributed making it clear that photos and names will be used on the website, and the parent or guardian has signed a receipt of the handbook

acknowledging the receipt of the parish/school handbook, then it would be acceptable to utilize those photos and names.

Personal Electronic Devices

In this age of instant connection, young persons will often arrive to a parish/school event with a cell phone and perhaps other personal electronic devices. These can become a distraction and allow the young people to be virtually present elsewhere. The Archdiocese of Omaha makes no requirements about banning cell phones or other personal electronic devices, although parishes and schools are free to do so.

The alternative to collection is education. Young people should be invited to an understanding

regarding the ministry of presence and the importance of putting away modern technology in favor of being physically and emotionally present to the experience for which they have gathered.

In some cases, however, it is appropriate to collect cell phones and MP3 players. Retreats, for instance, provide an opportunity for technology-free experiences. When personal electronic devices are collected, the adult leaders become responsible for these items so care must be taken to keep the devices safe. In addition, if adult leaders plan to collect personal electronic devices, the parents of participants should be notified ahead of time and time should be given during the event when the

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devices are returned to the young people for a specified amount of time.

When cell phones are collected, and even when they are not, adult leaders should provide an emergency contact number to parents of participants. Parents should be instructed to contact the adults with news of a family emergency rather than calling the young person directly.

Any restrictions placed on young people regarding personal electronic devices extend to adult leaders in ministry as well. If adult leaders in ministry encourage the young people to be present to an

experience then those adult leaders should be equally present. Cell phone use by adults during ministry activities and events should be limited to that which is necessary for the activity or event. Coordinating with a bus driver, for example, for pick up after an event would be appropriate. Texting personal messages or making phone calls not related to the event models inappropriate behavior. Movie Ratings

When showing movies to young people (up to the age of 18), only G, PG, and PG-13 rated movies are appropriate. Movies that are rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America are

inappropriate for use in ministry. No movie should be shown unless the group leader or event coordinator has previewed the movie in its entirety prior to showing the movie to young people. Movies that pervert the faith or are blatantly immoral must be avoided.

Video Game Ratings

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings are designed to provide concise and impartial information about the content in computer and video games so consumers, especially parents, can make an informed purchase decision. ESRB ratings have two equal parts: rating symbols suggest age appropriateness for the game and content descriptors indicate elements in a game that may have triggered a particular rating and/or may be of interest or concern.

To take full advantage of the ESRB rating system, it's important to check both the rating symbol (on the front of the box) and the content descriptors (on the back).

Only games with the ratings of Early Childhood, Everyone, Everyone 10+, and Teen are appropriate for use in ministry.

No matter how popular, games with the ESRB rating of Mature, Adults Only, or Rating Pending are not appropriate for use in ministry.

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