Tips on How to Operate a Youth Computer Lab in Your Church

Many churches are now utilizing computer labs within their walls for their teenagers' use. The idea is to not only provide a place that will create a sense of community among teen congregants, but one that will also allow them to get ahead in their school work and studies without the rules and restricted hours of a local library. While a great concept, there are a few pitfalls that can develop from a poorly developed laboratory open to teens so freely. Consider the following tips on how to operate a youth computer lab in your church to ensure optimal results.

Tip #1: Set parental controls that can only be altered by a separate user account. In other words, once logged into their computers teens should have no access to the parental controls from their user accounts. Only an employee or other approved adult should be able to alter restrictions.

Tip #2: Keep a password on teen accounts, and change it frequently. Even though they may not have access to the main account, consider still keeping teen login access password-protected. If possible, only allow church employees access to the regularly changed passwords so that teens will have to gain permission before logging in. Remember to be creative....teens are great at breaking codes set in place for their own protection.

Tip #3: Keep a sign-in sheet. Should a problem arise with a student visiting prohibited sites or otherwise breaking the computer lab rules in the church, a log of who was visiting the lab and when will be a tremendous asset. Make use of the sign-in sheet mandatory for retaining the privileged use of the free lab.

Tip #4: Consider using a lab monitor. Let's face it....teens are ahead of most adults when it comes to technology. They can break passwords and erase websites they've viewed with little trouble. Not only that, but they rarely think twice about bringing food and beverages around expensive equipment, about getting loud when others are trying to study, about horseplay, etc. An adult leader in place during at least the busiest hours of computer lab operation might be a good idea.

Tip #5: Frequently check each computer's garbage bin. Searching for deleted website views, downloads, etc., is a necessary evil when running a computer lab, regardless of where it's located. Be vigilant, and give your teenagers fair warning by letting them know that computer use is monitored regularly. There's no use in setting them up for trouble by being secretive.

Tip #6: Utilize parental consent contracts. A common problem for churches running youth group computer labs is the lack of parental consent involved ahead of time. Parents may have special restrictions on their teens' Internet use, for example, and those rules may go unheeded without their knowledge. Consider printing out consent forms for use, leaving room for any additional notes that parents may wish to apply.

Tip #7: Consider restricting lab use purposes. Teens hovering over limited computer space checking their Myspace accounts can greatly impose upon the needs of students wishing to use the lab for more constructive purposes. While some recreational use is expected, keep in mind those who may wish to use the lab for more valuable pursuits.

Tip #8: Post a list of off-limits websites and other restrictions. Some sites are obviously inappropriate for view in a church setting, but teens often require a posted list of guidelines that they must follow. List all prohibited sites, content, etc., as well as all other lab rules conspicuously.

Set guidelines ahead of time and keep everyone involved abreast of what is expected of them, and your church's youth computer lab will run more smoothly and serve a more positive purpose. Consider keeping the tips above in mind to minimize the efforts involved and maximize the benefits.