Over and over we hear stories of video and pictures that were taken without consent and placed on the Internet as an embarrassment to the subject. In some cases, the person being photographed was caught doing something they should not have been doing. In other cases, they were changing clothes in what they thought was a private area.
The pressure on movie stars by photographers chasing them has come to the world of the everyday person. Can you stand the pressure? What about your children?
When I was about 14, the only pair of dress shoes that mom and I could find locally to fit my extremely narrow foot was an olive green pair of pumps. Then there was the pair of black dress shoes that laced up the front to about my ankles. They looked like something that a cartoon witch would wear.
As much as I did not like being teased about my shoes, I think it would have been worse to go home and see them posted on the Internet! As big a nothing as that might seem, it would have been huge to me when I was a teenager!
Don’t get me wrong. I love technology. I love researching online. I love sending email. I love looking at pictures my friends post. I hate to shop at the malls, but I love shopping online! Fortunately, I realized early on that my computer and my credit card are not a good combination. Overspending could easily set in – especially if I cannot find something locally – no more olive green pumps for me!
What about our children? Do they always have to be perfect? Can they never make a bad decision? Can they try on new clothes at the mall without fear of a hidden camera? Are they free to be themselves without it following them on the Internet the rest of their lives?
Teenage suicide has been connected to harassment involving the Internet. Keeping children safe online is coming to mean that they have to be aware and consider an additional set of consequences of their behavior offline. As much as we want them to walk with the Lord, and be perfect in every way, they will make mistakes.
I encourage you to talk with your children about these 3 things.
First, teach them about the perils of the technology we have today. Nearly every cell phone has a camera. Help them to understand that their private lives could follow them on forever across the Internet.
Second, teach them to be kind in what they choose to post about others.
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:12
Third, talk with them about coming to you if something does get posted about them. Help them though any invasion of privacy they suffer. Be there for them.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalms 118:28-29
Today’s challenge is to pray for our children to be aware of the dangers of the Internet. Pray they understand the consequences of their actions when it comes to posting pictures of others. Pray they come to you if their privacy is violated.