Kev writes more about Facebook, social networking

August, 2008
by Kevin Driscoll
Diocese of Gary OYYA

One of the most discussed issues in youth ministry the last two years has been the emergence of social networking. Just when youth ministry leaders were finally getting ready to embrace websites and email in their ministries, MySpace and Facebook completely changed the way youth communicate. (Teens aren't getting your emails? They will...right after they check their telegrams!)

I’m often asked, "Should I be on Facebook? Isn’t it dangerous?" Yes. And Yes. There are boundaries that should not be crossed when adults establish social networking accounts. A few bullet-point suggestions:

· There is a difference between initiating a "friend request" and accepting one: allow them to add you, but don’t be too aggressive in seeking them out.

· If you invite teens to contact you via Facebook or MySpace, your sites should be first and foremost a representative of your parish/ministry, then of you personally. Ministry leaders should see Facebook & MySpace more as a means of communication than of personal expression. That said, it is also an incredible opportunity to witness to youth that your faith does not end when you leave the youth room. Your secular life must complement the sacred world you represent. You are always Church.

· Parents should be made aware that you are making yourself available online. As much as possible, save your one-on-one communication.

· Do not communicate with individual teens via Facebook or MySpace more than you would call them on the phone.

· Teens are not owed personal information about you, but Facebook/MySpace sites, by their nature, do allow them inside your life outside the parish. And vice versa! If they acknowledge you as a "friend," they should understand that you will hold them accountable if they communicate thoughts, images, etc. that aren’t consistent with the Christian mission.

· Speaking of accountability, consider establishing clear online behavior expectations with your adult and teen leadership teams. For example, I have recently published a Code of Conduct for High School-Aged Youth Leaders that all teens serving on our diocesan event leadership teams must sign. It is an adaptation of NFCYM's Youth Participant Behavior Standards, but acknowledges that one's internet behavior requires accountability as well.

We should embrace this opportunity to truly make Christ the center of our entire lives, but with Safe Environment principals ever as our guide. Be sure to visit the Youth Ministry library section to browse new articles and resources on internet issues, including "Online student-teacher friendships can be tricky," and "Web-based strategies integral to evangelization". Also be sure to read my previous article entitled, "A new evangelization or a tool of the devil?: Internet, ‘blogging, MySpace, IM, et al: avoid ’em or embrace ’em?"

Oh, and while you're at it, be sure to send me your friend request! (click here)