Document also available in PDF (21 kbytes), PS (24 kbytes), Printer-friendly HTML (2831 bytes) Rich Text Format (3683 bytes) DocBook source (2563 bytes)
The first Muslim parents' guide to using computers been published by a De Montfort University researcher and will be launched at The Islamic Centre, Conduit Street Mosque, Leicester, on Friday, 20 January at 8pm.
Dr Mohammed Begg, of the University's Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility (CCSR), wrote the Muslim Parents' Guide on Responsible Use of ICT at Home after he realised the need for such advice during research for his PhD.
He completed his PhD into the impact of ICT on the Muslim community in Leicester last year.
The guide will be launched by the Imam in the evening after Isha prayers and will be available for members of the community.
Dr Begg said: "This is the first published guide of its kind; it became apparent during my research that there was a particular need for this kind of help for parents in the Muslim community where so many adults have no knowledge or experience of computers."
"The guide is tailored to the individual needs of the Muslim community and gives parents practical help on supervising their children to help them benefit from technology while reducing risk of misuse."
Dr Begg, who belongs to the local Muslim community, expects the guide to be taken up by Muslim communities around the UK and beyond. "There is a need for this type of help for the community with an easy to read and easy to understand book which will be distributed through the mosque network."
Professor Simon Rogerson, Director of CCSR said: "Cross cultural consideration of ICT is vital and we hope that we can build upon Mohamed's excellent work to cover all communities of Leicester and beyond."
Some of the concerns for parents whose children are using computers which are highlighted in the guide include: access to undesirable website such as gambling sites, or those showing pornography or providing violent games; web-sites which pretend to be Islamic but mislead people about the real teachings of Islam; the danger of paedophiles using chat rooms and bulletin boards; computer viruses; and the possibility of Internet addiction.
ENDS