Teaching kids how to use the internet safely is a challenge that both parents and teachers face. Although internet filters can be a helpful tool for teachers, the role of teachers in educating their students about the internet is crucial. Before students are allowed to venture out onto the World Wide Web, they should be informed of the dangers of the internet. They should also receive support from teachers when learning how to use the internet, and teachers should monitor student’s internet use in the classroom to ensure that they are using the web safely and effectively. It is also important for teachers to be vigilant about researching sites, before selecting them as appropriate for student use. Filtering programs are an important part of internet safety, although they have their limitations. Below is a list of the positive and negative aspects of internet filtering.

1. Filters stop children from gaining access to inappropriate sites; such as those containing violence, pornography, or other inappropriate content.

2. The type of information filtered can be customized by adults, by adjusting the level of restrictions. This can be done by using passwords provided by the filtering company.

3. Filters used on school computers can keep inappropriate content from the classroom.

4. Filters can block kids from using chat rooms where dangerous predators may be lurking.

5. Filters can block SPAM, and other nuisance mail. They can also stop sensitive information such as phone numbers and addresses from being used improperly, by filtering out the information prior to it leaving your computer.

1. Filters are not completely effective. Content may still get through that you may want blocked. It is possible for companies to get around blocking software.

2. Adults may rely too much on filters, and not properly monitor their children’s internet activity.

3. Filters are a form of censorship and can be seen as an infringement of our rights.

4. Filters may prevent students from gaining access to sights that are appropriate. A key word blocking feature may block a site about breast cancer.

5. Educators may have a difficult time judging whether a filtering program meets their needs, since most filtering companies will not release a list of the sites blocked by their particular program.

Shannon Leister

SLM 521

4/6/06