Posted on September 27, 2017
(Last Wednesday of September)
On the internet, there are many websites I wouldn't want my child to be spending time with.
But, on the other hand, there are many, many, many more that are fine for kids.
Apparently, this is a question that the American Library Association, teachers, and school librarians have to deal with. In order to comply with the Child's Internet Protection Act, schools and maybe other institutions install filtering software that act like parental controls at homes do.
BUT...
Many teachers complain that legitimate educational websites and social media are blocked by the filters on school computers, and so they cannot explore those areas with the students. The teachers complain that they cannot really teach kids how to be aware and critical internet users and information-finders, with those restrictive filters. They cannot guide them into a social-media-saturated world, if social media is filtered out. They cannot do the very things that they most need to do...
This week is Banned Books Week, and one day of that week is Banned Websites Awareness Day.
We are urged to check out and see if our own local schools have overly restrictive internet filters. Ask your teachers and school librarians, and check out the school's computer system with a web search or two of your own. If you discover that there is a problem, write letters to the school board and to the local newspaper.
BUT...
Many teachers complain that legitimate educational websites and social media are blocked by the filters on school computers, and so they cannot explore those areas with the students. The teachers complain that they cannot really teach kids how to be aware and critical internet users and information-finders, with those restrictive filters. They cannot guide them into a social-media-saturated world, if social media is filtered out. They cannot do the very things that they most need to do...This week is Banned Books Week, and one day of that week is Banned Websites Awareness Day.
We are urged to check out and see if our own local schools have overly restrictive internet filters. Ask your teachers and school librarians, and check out the school's computer system with a web search or two of your own. If you discover that there is a problem, write letters to the school board and to the local newspaper.
Also on this date:
Banned Books Week (9/24 to 9/30)
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