How Do Schools Block Websites? - Synonym - Classroom

Maybe your like

How Do Schools Block Websites?

HENRY FRANCIS

CLASS

The 2000 Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) determined in Federal law that all schools and public libraries must protect minors from viewing obscene or harmful images when using the Internet. This is a view that many would endorse, and it is now commonplace for schools to block websites in order to protect their students when using the Internet and help them remain focused on their studies. The main argument against blocking websites is demonstrated by the American Library Association's 2003 Supreme Court challenge of the CIPA based on the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Explore this article

Blacklists
Whitelists
Supervision
Advantages
Disadvantages

1 Blacklists

Schools can place websites on a blacklist using an Internet filter; blacklisted sites can no longer be viewed by students. Blacklisting is an exhaustive and on-going process and, while it offers a good level of protection, it can never cover the entire Internet -- some undesirable pages will always get through the blacklists. Furthermore, many students have worked out ways of negating blacklists, such as using Internet proxy websites, which allow them to visit websites of their choosing without being easily detectable.

2 Whitelists

Whitelists are more prohibitive than blacklists and apply filters in the completely opposite way. Instead of prohibiting students viewing websites, whitelists only allow them to access websites that are whitelisted. As such, educators can be confident that their students are not able to view harmful material on the Internet, but the use of whitelists also means that students may miss out on genuinely useful resources. Moreover, whitelists are also not a 100 percent solution and children are still able to use proxy servers to access undesirable content.

3 Supervision

Although it is becoming less common with the prevalence of Internet filters, some schools can elect to simply supervise their students. This approach is aided when all computer monitors face the same direction, so an educator standing at the rear of a classroom can view each screen from one vantage point and take action against any students looking at inappropriate material. Often, schools choose to apply one type of Internet filter and supervise students also.

4 Advantages

There are several clear advantages to blocking websites in schools. Firstly, certain parts of the Internet, such as social media websites and chat rooms, are a breeding ground for potentially dangerous child predators. Often students can be naive and overly trusting of people they meet in online communities, revealing personal information and finding themselves in dangerous situations. The use of Internet filters helps fight this phenomenon and protects students in elementary schools. Blocking websites also helps students focus on their work, as they are not distracted by playing games or visiting social networking sites. Furthermore, filters can be used to block out any content that is misleading, unhelpful, too complex or factually incorrect, ensuring students receive consistent and useful information.

5 Disadvantages

While there are clear safety and behavioral benefits to be gained from blocking websites, there are also a few disadvantages. Firstly, students may be denied access to useful resources, and they might find their interest in learning is stifled when they can't search freely around a topic. A secondary issue is that, when Internet filters are applied, educators can be naive and assume that their students are safe while this might not necessarily be the case. Finally, in 2003 there was a Supreme Court challenge against the CIPA using the argument that mandatory use of Internet filters in schools is an infringement on students' rights as protected by the First Amendment.

references

1 National Conference of State Legislatures: State Internet Filtering Laws
2 CNET: Kids Outsmart Web Filters

About the Author

I have been involved in coaching and administration of youth soccer with the Herts FA for several years. I have many years experience with the technical side and equipment of soccer, cricket, rugby, snooker and poker. I studied the health and fitness and dietary side of competitive sport while at University. Currently, I am not ready for on-camera opportunities, but this could change with access to training and equipment.

Pros & Cons of Internet Filtering in Schools

Cons of Security Cameras in Schools

Do Schools Have the Right to Search Students' Personal...

Reasons for School Locker Searches

Can People See Your Webcam if You're on Public WiFi?

Why Does My Facebook Redirect to Other Sites?

The Disadvantages of Internet in Education

Why Should You Have Discipline While Taking Online...

Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship

What Are the Dangers of Online Banking in Internet...

What Is Wi-Fi Sniffing?

The Disadvantages of Bulletin Boards

How to Remove Pop-Ups on a Samsung Galaxy Tab

Can You Open a Locked Wi-Fi?

Why Is Credibility of Online Sources Important in Education?

What Are Advantages & Disadvantages of Teachers Posting...

Pros and Cons of Working in a Prison

How to Unblock Wi-Fi

Can I Go on the Internet on the iPhone Without Using...

How to Block Facebook With a Router

Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers.

Classroom
About
Contact

Legal
Accessibility
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Copyright Policy
Edit Cookie Consent

Tag » Why Does School Block Everything