Catholic Comics To Warn Kids

[Steve]

The Archdiocese of New York is handing out coloring and comics books that warn children about sex predators, the first such effort by a Roman Catholic diocese in the United States.

 

In the coloring book, a perky guardian angel tells children not to keep secrets from their parents, not to meet anyone from an Internet chat room and to allow only "certain people" like a doctor or parent to see "where your bathing suit would be."

 

In a comic book version for children over 10, a teenager turns to St. Michael the Archangel for strength to report that two schoolmates are being sexually abused.

 

Joseph Zwilling, a spokesman for the archdiocese, said the have been distributed to about 300 schools and 400 religious education programs to use as a resource. They are also free online.

 

"It's to help young people to know situations they should not get into," he said. "How to be safe â?? but to try to do it in an age-appropriate and sensitive way."

 

Some critics, while applauding the intent, say the books should say explicitly that trusted adults â?? including priests â?? may be the abusers...