Censorship & Sensorship

Chapter Seven

Censorship & Sensorship

As a Mentor, Teacher or Parent we would love to be able to suppress destructive information before it enters the young minds entrusted to our care. Unfortunately, everyday the world finds a new way to hurtle information at our sponge brains. It's impossible to put up a character shield to catch every piece of character influencing sound byte.

AID to MENTOR NAVIGATION Part 13

The Mentor's Emotional Toolbox contains a special tool called the "Info Nippers." It is important to note that the Info Nippers are designed to cut and sever information completely. Another similar tool is called the "Data Pliers." The Pliers are designed to hold the information long enough until a decision regarding its usefulness can be made.

Your role as a Mentor is to teach the proper usage of the tools of censorship.

The Internet is filled with information that will be first handled by the Data Pliers.  Pornography is a piece of information that should be instantly severed by the Info Nippers. It is not reasonable to assume that every young person will immediately grasp the dangers of viewing pornography and use their Nippers. Whenever possible, safeguards that will censor information should be installed.

A good Mentorship Captain will prepare for storms before they happen. Many times a captain can avoid storms and possible damage by planning ahead. Teach young people how to protect themselves. Be proactive in discussing damaging behaviors like pornography and sexual abuse. Statistics  show that 1 out of every 3 girls and 1 out of every 5 boys is a victim of sexual abuse. I believe we can change those statistics by proactively teaching about protection.

As the Director of a Youth Center located in a Catholic Church, I am mandated to be certified through a sexual abuse prevention program called: "Protecting God's Children." After my initial certification via a 3 hour course, I am required to take monthly Online Training Modules for Recertification. Children need to be taught how to censor information and people. This same type of course should be taught to children. Censoring is more than simple avoidance, censoring is recognizing consequences and being proactive in personal protection.

AID to MENTOR NAVIGATION Part 14

I marvel at "Touchscreen Technology. I can use my finger to make a bank card purchase, read an ebook, use a phone and many other applications. The touchscreen has a sensor that enables the user to control it with finger tips. Recognition of sensor location on the device will allow the user to manipulate the system. People manipulate people the same way. Low self esteem is sensor that can be used to manipulate a child.

As a Mentor, you must recognize vulnerability in young people. Innocence is an inherent trait that we are all born with. It disappears with age as the waves of life wash over us. When you really care about a child, you begin to sympathize, empathize and recognize their sensitive vulnerabilities. Their hearts are like touchscreens that react to your words and actions. Your heart has a sensor and their heart has a sensor. Their sensor may be broken through abuse.

In Relationship Mentoring, you need the ability to censor information suitable for young people. You will also need the ability to sensor young hearts. Learn to listen with the ears of your heart. The words you speak will then become sensors that go from "heart to heart."