Filtering

Many schools and libraries use filtering software to protect students from inappropriate web content. There is much debate over whether we should filter content for students, if filtering really works, and how teachers can with their students appropriately. The following is a list of filtering pros and cons. Then I will discuss my role in helping my students to use the Internet.

The Pros and Cons of Filtering

Pros

Cons

1. Filters limit sites that contain inappropriate content such as sex and drugs in a fast, easy way.

1. It can be hard to obtain information about which sites a filtering program blocks and why they block those sites without downloading or purchasing the program.

2. Censorware can be adjusted to different levels of restriction to meet various filtering needs.

2. Many censorware companies block sites based on URLs and content keywords. They do not actually look at most sites to determine if their content is appropriate or not.

3. Can act sort of like “training wheels” for young internet users who are learning how to use the internet safely.

3. Some censorware companies blacklist sites for their own selfish reasons. (ex.- CYBERsitter blocking TIME magazine after TIME published an article criticizing the company)

4. Although parents shouldn’t depend on filtering completely, it can give them some comfort that their children are being protected from most inappropriate sites.

4. Censorware can be disabled or circumvented fairly easily.

5. Filtering software can be used to manage the content allowed on a large number of computers, such as in a computer lab or classroom.

5. Censorware does not block things like chat rooms or images.

The Role of a Teacher

A teacher’s role in protecting children from harmful Internet content is to teach them how to be intelligent Internet users. My background is in elementary school, so I feel like I would need to be a little more restrictive in teaching my students about the Internet. I think the best way to go about it is to begin with a good deal of monitoring and restrictions. It is our job as teachers to educate students about safe and ethical Internet use. As children become more familiar with the using the Internet, you can allow them more and more freedom. The truth is that filters do not always work. Also, whether schools and libraries have filters or not, students will encounter a computer without filters. We as teachers must prepare our students to use the Internet in a positive way regardless of whether or not filtering software is available.

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