Yes Schools should Provide Unfiltered Internet Access
Introduction
Most schools tend to filter their internet access, even though there are those sites which can be able to provide educational support. Filtered internet access may limit students from being able to access educational information, particularly is the website is unknown. These filters consequently tend to hinder the access of unknown sites, thus making it hard for the students to be able to benefit. Even though filtering internet access in schools is significant, the filters should not be too restrictive, thus limiting the students from visiting educational sites.
Schools should provide unfiltered internet access to the students, “High school students use unique approaches in order to access the sites they want (Orey, Stephanie, & Robert, 23).” This is basically because they have mastered the art of using proxy sites. Proxy sites tend to hide the identity of the internet user, thus making it easy for them to surpass the filters. After hiding their identity, they can be able to access any sites on the internet without any restrictions. “The access of other websites is also affected by the filters.” Students may not be able to access educational sites. These sites include social media sites, in which most tutors pass their online lessons. This consequently makes it hard for the students to access such information.
Students should not be restricted from accessing the internet. “Filters limit the information which should be gathered by the students (Orey, Stephanie, & Robert, 26).” These filters have become very restrictive, limiting students from being able to gather significant information. For instance, one cannot be able to access some sites, since filters restrict their access. Moreover, students cannot be able to put what they have learnt into practice, due to the restrictions which have been made on educational sites.
Indeed, schools should allow students to use unfiltered internet access. “Schools, should advice students to only concentrate on sites which are important for their educational purposes (Orey, Stephanie, & Robert, 26).” Teachers are supposed to advice their students, and allow them to do things without being restricted. Filtering internet access, tends to make students curious, thus looking for ways of getting unfiltered access. In addition, teachers should guide and support students in accessing the best educational sites.
Conclusion
Filters should not be too restrictive, since they limit students from accessing significant information. Teachers are supposed to look for possible ways of advising and helping students in getting the best websites, thus making it easier for them to increase their educational knowledge. Students should not be provided with unfiltered internet access, as this is likely to make them curious, hence resulting in the use of proxy sites in order to gain access to erotic sites.
Work Cited
Orey, Michael, Stephanie A. Jones, and Robert M. Branch. Educational Media and Technology Yearbook: Volume 37. New York, NY: Springer, 2013. Internet resource.
