Filtering Assignment

Pro filter issues

1. Under the Children’s Internet Protection Act, libraries that receive funding support for Internet access require that Internet safety policy and technology protection is in place.
2. New sites are created each day—too rapidly for anyone person to screen. Filters would block objectionable sites before children discover them.
3. Filters will be of benefit if they are chosen based on customizability and features rather than cost and convenience.
4. Filters can be used in conjunction with other age-appropriate methods of screening (teacher-created links for elementary ages, pre-selected search engines, etc.) This protects children while allowing them the freedom to evaluate a website for appropriate information.
5. A low level of restriction would block the most harmful sites while still allowing access to many others.

Con filter issues

1. Due to sheer volume of web sites, large numbers of sites may be categorized as unacceptable by blocking software when in fact they are not objectionable and contain useful information.
2. Filters give a false sense of security to adults—there is too much reliance on software and perhaps not enough diligence in supervising children.
3. Filters simply don’t block every objectionable site.
4. There is a significant first amendment concern. Americans do not like to be censored.
5. Some feel that filtering software has a political aspect. They are trying to keep impressionable minds away from certain points of view that may be political in nature.

Teacher’s role

Teachers must assume responsibility for their student’s Internet research. Blocking software is needed both for the accidental location of unsavory material and to keep students from trying to intentionally locate inappropriate sites. Teachers must be educated so they don’t rely completely on the blocking software. The software should be set at its most restrictive setting for the elementary grades and gradually become less restrictive. Consistency within an individual school and district should be encouraged with all teachers following the same policies concerning Internet usage and assigning consequences for violations of those policies. Teacher created web sites and links (in conjunction with blocking software) should be used at the elementary level. This allows the student to gain a comfort level with the computer while keeping them safe from inappropriate web sites. Middle school students should be provided with web addresses and only be allowed access to certain search engines. This in conjunction with a filter set at a less restrictive level than for elementary students will allow them more freedom to search the web while blocking inappropriate sites. High school students require a less restrictive filter than the lower grades. Students should be free to surf the web but ethical decision making when surfing should be encouraged and consequences should be in place for those students who violate the school’s policy.

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