Safe surfing

The internet is not going away! In many ways it is changing the way we live - instant messaging, instant images and instant knowledge on almost anything you want.

There are no bondaries and obviously there are a whole host of questionable sites out there. Parents are concerned about their children and we can sometimes innocently find ourselves in some strange places. Beyond that the problem of internet porn addiction is growing - a visit to the newsagent or seedy cinema is no longer necessary. It is a major issue for christians but help is at hand!

There is an intriguing creative site been set up in the States called xxxchurch which confronts the issue head on. It works with steps to freedom outlines, and advice for young people, parents, teachers etc. Perhaps most helpfully is x3watch software which you download and it runs in the background. Every 2 weeks it sends a list of any questionable sites you have visited to 2 close friends.

It can produce some amusing results - one friend was researching 'fauns' ( as in Narnia) and had the site registered. I'm guessing 'fantasy football' will also register. It is though an easy, practical and great way of staying accountable for where our mouse takes us.

Check the site at www.xxxchurch.com