Avoid Vulgarity, Violence or Pornography: Standards Code
LDS CHURCH RELEASING NEW BOOKLET FOR YOUTH ON STANDARDS THAT WILL HELP TO KEEP THEM AWAY FROM TROUBLE.
Anew booklet by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) warns youth against vulgarity, violence and pornography. They are part of the standards in the booklet, My Standards – Principles of Success for Youth, that will be launched in Fiji this month.
Richard Hunter, the Auckland-based Pacific Area director of the church’s Public Affairs and Communications Department, said the booklet had been shared with several government and faith leaders in New Zealand, Australia and Samoa.
He said they hoped to do the same here. The booklet is designed to help youths in all faiths overcome challenges that impact their daily lives.
In part two of this series, the booklet looks at language, dress and appearance plus entertainment and media. Part one which was published yesterday covered freedom to choose and honesty. Here’s part 2:
Language
How you communicate should reflect who you are. Clean language is evidence of a bright and wholesome mind. Your words should be used to compliment, encourage, and uplift others.
Choose friends who use good language, and help others improve their language by your example. Be willing to politely walk away or change the subject when those around you use inappropriate language.
Speak kindly and positively about others. Choose not to insult others or put them down, even in joking. Avoid bullying, gossip, and speaking in anger. When you are tempted to say harsh or hurtful things, leave them unsaid. Do not use profane, vulgar, or crude language or gestures, and do not tell jokes or stories about immoral actions. Remember that these standards for your use of language apply to all forms of communication, including texting on a cell phone and communicating on the Internet. If you have developed the habit of using language that is not in keeping with these standards—such as swearing, mocking, gossiping, or speaking in anger to others—you can change. Ask your family and friends to support you in your desire to use good language. Question: “What do the words I use say about me?”
Dress and Appearance
Your dress and grooming communicate to others what you think about yourself, what your values are, and how much respect you have for yourself and others.
When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you can be a good influence on others.
Your dress and grooming influence the way you and others act.
Wear clothing that is modest and not unnecessarily showy or expensive. Immodest clothing is any clothing that is too tight or revealing. Don’t lower your standards of dress, and don’t use a special occasion as an excuse to be immodest. When you dress immodestly, you may give the impression that you are using your body to get attention and approval.
Whether you are a young woman or a young man, you should be neat and clean and avoid being extreme in clothing, hairstyle, and behaviour. You should choose modest apparel when participating in sports. Do not disfigure yourself with tattoos, and avoid body piercings beyond those for simple earrings. Remember that even though fashion changes, your standards should not.
If you are not sure what is appropriate to wear, ask your parents or leaders for help. Your dress and appearance now will help you prepare for future situations in your life. Question: “Would I feel comfortable with my appearance in front of others, including my parents and family?” Media and Entertainment
You live in a day of marvellous technologies that give you easy access to a wide variety of information and entertainment, which can increase your ability to learn and communicate.
However, some information and entertainment can lead you away from a healthy life. Some media deceptively show evil as something normal, funny, or exciting that has no negative consequences. Choose wisely when using media, including the internet, cell phones, video games, television, radio, books, and magazines.
Whatever you read, listen to, or look at has a powerful effect on you.
Avoid anything that is vulgar, violent, or pornographic.
Have the courage to walk out of a movie, change your music, or turn off a computer, television, or mobile device if what you see or hear isn’t appropriate. Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive. What may begin as a curious exploration can become an addiction that will lead to destructive behaviour and weaken your self-control and self-worth. If you have been exposed to any kind of pornography, distance yourself from it immediately. Take care that your use of media does not affect your personal relationships with others. Spending long periods of time using the internet or a mobile device, playing video games, or watching television or other media can keep you from valuable interactions with other people, especially your family and friends.
If you are not sure whether something is appropriate to watch or listen to, talk to your parents or another trusted adult. Question: “How do different kinds of media influence my thoughts and actions?” TOMORROW: Part 3
“It is so important to talk about mental health and to have easy access and non-judgmental care. We lack these provisions in Fiji. Families need to change their attitude and response to sexual assault.” Roshika Deo