Have you ever wondered how your child’s school keeps them safe online? Most schools have rules in place to block inappropriate content on all devices used on school grounds, including school-issued computers that are sent home with children.
According to the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), 98% of schools are now filtering all website content that is available to students. This can look different depending on the school, but most schools use software to block potentially offensive content while others take a more manual approach by supervising students while they work in the classroom.
We know how important it is for parents to stay informed about their child’s internet safety, no matter where they are. That’s why we’ve put together this post to answer all your questions about how schools block websites, what they’re blocking, and how this information can help you decide what to block at home. We hope you find it helpful!
Have you ever wondered why schools block certain websites?
The answer lies in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which was passed by Congress in 2000. This act places restrictions on schools and libraries that receive internet services through the E-rate program, which provides affordable internet services to schools and libraries that need it. The act requires these schools to block websites on all computers accessible by minors that contain obscene content, child pornography, or images harmful to minors.
types of content:
- Obscenity
- Child pornography
- Images harmful to minors
In addition to these restrictions, CIPA also requires schools to monitor student activity while they’re actively using school or library computers. Schools that do not use the E-rate program to receive internet services may still decide to follow suit and block websites on their devices as well. Some states have additional regulations that their schools must follow when it comes to website blocking.
The goal of these rules and restrictions is simple: to protect kids from harmful and distracting content on the internet. While the internet is a useful tool for learning, it also brings countless dangers that schools should be wary of. And aside from danger, the internet can be just plain distracting. Teachers have to do enough to keep students’ attention without internet games and social media sites to worry about.
We all want our kids to be safe online, right? That’s why schools have rules in place to block inappropriate content on all devices used on school grounds, including school-issued computers that are sent home with children.
While the internet is an amazing resource for learning, it can also be a dangerous place. There are countless websites out there that could harm your child’s mental and emotional well-being. And let’s not forget about the distractions! Teachers already have enough on their plates without having to worry about students playing games or scrolling through social media during class.
Now, some people argue that blocking websites is a form of censorship that could prevent kids from fully forming their own beliefs and ideas. While there is some validity to this argument, it hardly seems to outweigh the damage of not blocking harmful websites. Kids should have the freedom to learn about a variety of topics to form their own opinions, but that doesn’t mean they need access to all the ugliness of the internet to do so.
The Most Common Websites To Block For Schools
Think about the websites that are off-limits at school – chances are, it’s the ones students are really itching to check out. We’re talking about the popular sites and apps that just seem too tempting for kids to resist. Here are a few examples:
- TikTok
- Hulu
- Amazon Prime
- Netflix
- Spotify
- YouTube
- Discord
- Snapchat
It’s important for schools to keep students safe online, which is why many schools have rules in place to block inappropriate content on all devices used on school grounds. This includes blocking entire categories of content, which can be a more efficient way to keep students safe without having to analyze each website individually.
While it’s impossible to block every single harmful website out there, schools do their best to protect students from the most dangerous and distracting content. It’s a tough job, but one that’s necessary to ensure that students can learn and grow in a safe environment.
Reasons to Block Websites at Home
As a parent, you know that your kids are vulnerable and easily impressionable. The internet is a vast and often unregulated space, where kids can easily access adult content like drugs, sex, guns, and violence. It’s important to have a support system in place to help your kids navigate this space safely. And that support system starts at home. It’s worth noting that schools, state legislatures, and even Congress have gone so far as to require website blocking and content monitoring, which indicates that this is a prevalent and serious issue. If kids are willing to test the boundaries of internet browsing at school, they’re likely even more willing to do so in the comfort of their own homes. So it’s crucial to be proactive and take steps to protect your kids from the dangers of the internet.
Deciding on internet rules for your kids is a unique journey for every family. One key factor to consider is age. While figuring out what’s appropriate for younger kids is a bit more straightforward, as they grow older, they naturally crave more online freedom. Balancing that freedom intelligently becomes crucial. However, the decision-making doesn’t stop there.
It’s important to think about whether your kids easily get distracted and if the internet might make it worse. Are they sensitive to online bullying and the opinions of others on social media? Can you trust them not to share personal info with strangers they meet online? Perhaps there’s a developmental disability that affects their understanding of the consequences of certain online activities.
Parenting in the digital age can be tough, but you don’t have to tackle it alone! There are plenty of resources out there to support you in making the right decisions when it comes to introducing your kids to the online world. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
