Internet Censorship In Public Schools

Perhaps somebody wants to check their Twitter account at school. Understandably, they get the standard firewall page: “Page Blocked: Social Media.” However, when somebody needs to do research for their project on breast cancer, they find a reputable medical journal. They get the firewall page: “Page Blocked: Adult.”

At the Onalaska High School, internet filtering is more refined than this. Even so, has internet filtering in our schools gone too far? This has become a huge controversy with two clear sides, each with their own arguments. Already a major point has been mentioned -- what to block and what not to block. When algorithms are put in charge of deciding what is safe for students they sometimes incorrectly block web pages which pose no threat to students’ safety. Many claim that people need to be in charge internet connections, not the machines. Blocking a medical journal about breast cancer makes the student’s job of researching more difficult, and it doesn’t protect them (“How Internet Censorship…”).

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) found with their poll “School Libraries Count!” of public schools that 94% of schools and libraries use filtering software. 87% also require students to sign an acceptable use

They may require the organizations to install software filters which block certain content including pornography, social media, gaming, streaming, or other content. A court ruling stated that the laws would not take effect in libraries was overruled, meaning public libraries must also abide by the guidelines. Organizations may also be rewarded with technology and money if they follow certain guidelines set by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). This act essentially encourages organizations to filter their internet connection to keep children safe from dangerous content (“Laws Relating