Impero representatives did not respond to calls and emails seeking comment about ContentKeeper for this article.
Joshua Mukai, Securly’s vice president of marketing, mentioned that the “Sexual Content” category allows schools to avoid overblocking websites related to reproductive health or sexual orientation by setting policies that allow sites discussing sexual topics for appropriate age groups. He did not comment on the issue of LGBTQ+ advocacy websites being blocked under the “sexual content” category.
Reproductive Health
Maya Perez, a senior in Fort Worth, Texas, shares her struggles with accessing information for school presentations, particularly on topics like health care disparities and abortion access, due to blocked websites on her school computer. She wishes for more access to news and informational sites for her research.
Planned Parenthood faces challenges with some school districts blocking their website, leading them to negotiate unblocking with the districts directly. Alison Macklin, a former sex educator, highlights the limitations students face in accessing information related to sexual health due to blocked websites.
Some school districts, like the Rockwood and Wentzville in Missouri, were found to be blocking sex education websites. The School District of Manatee County in Florida has one of the broadest internet blocking policies, restricting access to various websites, including social media and educational platforms.
The Breadth of the Internet
Students like Brooke O’Dell from Rockwood School District face challenges accessing online resources for homework due to website blocks. Districts like Forsyth County in Georgia have blocked educational videos and other internet content, impacting students’ learning experiences.
Web filters can hinder students from completing assignments and limit access to a wide range of educational resources, raising concerns about censorship and access to information.
A Stubborn Status Quo
Despite calls for a more nuanced approach to internet filtering in schools, many districts continue to block websites and content categories, impacting students’ access to information. The filtering policies raise questions about students’ rights to information and the need for more flexible filtering approaches in educational settings.
School districts have the power to determine what websites are appropriate for students, often leading to broader internet blocking policies. Efforts to challenge excessive filtering or website blocks face challenges due to limited federal guidance and varying district policies.
Organizations like the American Library Association advocate for a more transparent and flexible approach to web filtering in schools, emphasizing students’ rights to access information and educational resources. Efforts to combat censorship and excessive filtering remain ongoing in educational settings.
This story highlights the challenges students face in accessing information online, the impact of web filters on educational experiences, and the ongoing debate surrounding internet censorship in schools.
This article was originally published by The Markup and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.
