Topic Proposal: Internet Filtering in Schools Harms Student Development

The web filters used in schools, both public and private, that handle grades K-12 in the United States are not only deficient in performing their function of blocking "bad" sites and allowing "good" sites, but also in their basic underlying purpose: making students safer.

First of all, these web filters fail to block the right websites. They are often designed around poorly written or badly thought out algorithms that simply block websites if they contain words that are unacceptable. This mode of operation ends up cutting students and teachers off from valuable learning resources while allowing other, less acceptable websites to be accessed. In addition, enterprising students can simply find ways around these blocking systems by using proxies or other methods.

Second, these web filters are just a sad attempt to replace what should really be there: parents and teachers educating the students on safe and appropriate internet navigation and practices. Instead of trying to shelter students from content they can and will accesss anyway, they should instead be taught how to deal with the offensive material in a positive way. Sweeping problems under the rug will just lead to increased ignorance and disinformation on the part of everyone involved.