Danielle Redding

SML 521

Filtering – Elective 6

Internet filtering software is designed to “inserts itself between your computer’s browser and Internet connection to prevent objectionable sites from getting through” (www.consumerreports.org).

Much controversy is held over whether or not to use internet filtering. The following are five pro’s and five con’s on the subject of internet filtering:

Pro’s	Con’s
Inability to access inappropriate material. Filtering does not allow children to access inappropriate material such as pornography, drugs, and violence.	Over filtering is a problem. Some filtering software blocks too many sites, even legitimate ones that are school and student appropriate.
Allows greater parental control over what a child views on the internet and has access to and even such things as time management.	Filtering of sites viewed as politically inappropriate. Not everyone has the same political views, so people may disagree that a site should be blocked.
Provides safety against inappropriate users of the internet. By using filtering software, a parent can choose to block sites that children can chat on and protect them from predators.	Ineffective filtering software. All filtering software isn’t capable of doing what it was designed to do. For example some do not block all sites that it should.
Ensures appropriate work. Schools can use filtering software to ensure that students are using school time for educational purposes.	Limits freedom of speech. By filtering some sites because of a person’s opinions violates his or her right to free speech.
Financial gains. Filtering allows for funds such as e-rates.	Gives a false sense of security. Adults are given a sense of security that a child will not be able to access inappropriate material, however sites are always changing and people are finding ways around the filtering systems.

As a teacher, I have the responsibility to ensure the safety of each student I am teaching. This includes safety on the internet. Internet filtering can be a start to help guaranteeing this. Teachers cannot watch over the shoulder every student at every moment to see what he or she is looking at on the internet. Filtering can minimize the risk that a student will be looking at inappropriate material or will accidentally stumble on to inappropriate material.

Before using the internet I will make sure to have parental permission and have the students sign an agreement on the appropriate uses of internet and the consequences that will follow if those rules are broken.

Students should be allowed to use the internet at school, but only after given the resources needed to do so appropriately and safely.