Matthew C. Winner

June 21, 2006

Internet Filtering

Pros and Cons of

Using Internet Filters

The goal of Internet filtering software is to block access to web sites with content deemed inappropriate for children by the creators of the software. Each company’s software works a little differently, but all filters work from protected databases of blocked sites and keywords based on a criteria established by the company.

The use of Internet filters in schools and libraries has become a controversial issue over the past several years. In order for many schools to obtain federal e-rate funding, the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires that school systems install software that blocks access by minors to pornography and other inappropriate content areas on the Internet.

There are strong arguments for both sides of the topic. Consider the following pros and cons and, if need be, do a little research of your own. Through a consideration of facts and opinions, you’ll be able to form a knowledgeable stance for yourself.

The Pros of Using Internet Filters:

Internet filters:

1. Protect students from accessing inappropriate content such as pornography, information on drugs and drug culture, and content sites dealing with any acts of violence, hate, racism, intolerance, gambling, tobacco, alcohol, and cruelty to animals.
2. Protect schools from viruses by restricting student access to corrupt or unsafe websites.
3. Prevent students from sharing personal information on the Internet, including their full name, home address, telephone number, and passwords by restricting student access to certain websites.
4. Enable schools to limit the web access to their students based on age, grade, and curriculum content. Students in early primary grades may be limited to sites linked on teacher and school websites, whereas upper elementary grades may have access to teacher-approved search engines and databases.
5. Prevent access to web blogging and chat room sites, where students are susceptible to divulging personal information, foul or inappropriate behaviors or language , and Internet predators.

The Cons of Using Internet Filters:

Internet filters:

1. Cannot keep up with new sites created on the Internet every day containing potentially inappropriate material. Because the filters work from a list of generated site words and web addresses, there simply isn’t enough time in the day for companies to keep up with everything being added to the Internet.
2. Are not as effective as advertised. Unfortunately, when Internet filtering software is installed with the most restrictive setting, it blocks a significant amount of relevant, appropriate, curriculum-related websites. This is especially prevalent when researching topics in health education.
3. Are relatively easy to disable or work around. While this may not seem like a threat in an elementary or middle school setting, many high school students are knowledgeable of Internet filtering software and are familiar with how to disable or work around such software.
4. Give teachers, librarians, and parents a false sense of security. Though many filtering software programs boast efficiency and accuracy, students can still access inappropriate material by typing in the right set of site words in any number of search engines. As mentioned above, there is simply no way to monitor the content of every single website in existence and being created each day. To trick web filters, many websites hosting inappropriate content mislabel or create misleading titles for the sites so that their content can still be accessed via search engines.
5. Violate the First Amendment rights, according to the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom. Because legislation has been passed at a national level requiring the installation of Internet filtering and blocking software, some organizations feel Internet filters limit this Constitutional right.

A Teacher’s Role In Protecting Students

From Harmful Material on the Internet:

Ultimately, the responsibility rests in the hands of the teacher to be educated and informed in matters of Internet filtering and what websites are appropriate for use in the classroom or school setting. Internet filtering software is not a substitute for active teacher interaction with students and supervision of their Internet use.

Thereby, I suggest the following basic tips for teachers when working with students on the Internet:

1. Establish a set of online rules with your students. Review these rules and make sure your students know how to appropriately use the Internet to gather information. Post the rules in a highly visible area so they can serve as a reminder whenever students work online.
2. Build student trust. Let them know you trust them to work online and hold them accountable for their actions.
3. Create environments that help students avoid temptations. Use trustworthy, student-safe search engines and use well-structured web activities with clear rules and reputable websites.
4. Model ethical behaviors with your students. Make sure they understand what is inappropriate, why it is deemed inappropriate, and what to do when they find such content. This will help your students acquire the keen eye that is aware when material is generated that would not be appropriate for their eyes.
5. Maintain clear expectations and consequences. Whether you are introducing web activities to your students during the first week of school or whether they’ve worked with online activities throughout the school year, students need consistency in regards to expectations when working online. Likewise, consequences for breaking rules should be consistent throughout the school year.

Use Internet applications whenever possible with your students. There are so many unique learning opportunities and experiences online. With the proper guidance and set-up, these activities can be fun and safe for all students.