Running head: MANAGEMENT ISSUES

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Management Issues: Internet Censorship Via Filters
Internet censorship is a debated issue in the public education sector. Censorship is rooted
from the plethora of resources available on the Internet. Some of these materials are viewed to
enhance the educational process while others are considered unsafe and unsuitable for minors
(Bishop, 2007, p. 165). In attempts to provide security for students, districts have structured
automated filters within their server that limit the access to Internet resources. According to
Bishop (2007), filtering systems can block access to potential educational sites for teachers and
students. Schrader (1999) argues that filtering software programming is unreliable in its
blocking techniques, eliminating individuals entry to sites that address relevant topics in school
settings. Furthermore, the reliability of a filtering system is questionable; objectionable material
can still get through filters, making them ineffective (Mind of Dan, 2005).
The current solutions to address access to obscene and offensive materials in schools
have stemmed from legislation (e.g., Internet Protection Act and Neighborhood Children Internet
Childrens Protection Act). Even with Internet user policies, the concerns regarding filtering
systems suggest a need to educate students in Internet information searching and critical thinking
(Schrader, 1999). Other suggestions for solutions on filtering software and censorship are:
Educate parents about child safety issues on the Internet
Provide individual student login accounts that record every website visited and if
questionable material is perceived by administration it is handle on an individual user
basis
Professional development in supervision of technology
Mindful and diligent supervision
Clear Internet-User Policy with disclaimer regarding responsibility of viewing material
Given the limitations of filtering technology, the implications for a librarian vary from
procedural to ethical. One might have to ask, when does filtering interfere with intellectual
freedom? Also, teacher librarians need to ensure that the school Internet use policy is clearly
stated in the overall policy of the school library. This will protect one from potential lawsuits and
provide rebuttals for possible complaints. Moreover, teacher librarians need to teach students
how to use the Internet.
Running head: MANAGEMENT ISSUES

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Reference
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Mind of Dan (2005, August 22). Censoring the Internet in schools: is it going to far? [Web log
message]. Retrieved from http://mind.ofdan.ca/?p=38
Schrader, A. (1999), Internet censorship: Issues for Teacher-Librarians", Teacher Librarian:
The journal for School Library Professionals, May/June, 1999.