Steps to minimise risks at authority level
Technical measures to limit, control and monitor access and usage are an essential part of an internet safety solution for education authorities.
These will include policies and hardware / software implementations. A description of some of the facilities available and their use is given below. This information has been copied, with permission, from the Becta website. Becta is the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency. It has a UK-wide role in developing and supporting educational ICT policy and its website contains a number or resources that are useful in the Scottish context.
What is internet filtering?
Internet filtering systems prevent or block users' access to unsuitable material. When the filtering system is turned on, users cannot open or link to web sites that the filtering system recognises as unsuitable. Although a useful tool, internet filtering systems are not foolproof and are one factor in the safe management of internet access. They do not replace vigilance or simple common sense from network administrators, teachers or parents.
What issues should be considered before purchasing an internet filtering system for a school?
- Remember that filters are far from being a 'fit and forget' solution to the problem of preventing access to undesirable internet content. Filters require regular management, administration, maintenance, updating and review if they are to be effective.
- Make sure that both you and your staff have sufficient time, expertise and resources to manage and maintain any solution you implement.
- Whilst devolving filtering responsibilities to a third party (such as an ISP) has advantages in terms of reducing system administration tasks, the trade-off is potentially reduced control over filtering methodologies. It is important to strike a balance between devolving responsibility and maintaining flexibility and control over what and how filtering is carried out.
What issues should be considered when using Internet filters for different groups of users?
- Different groups of users and machines may require different filters, and the importance of customisation facilities and the ease with which filtering systems can be administered and tailored to individual needs should be considered.
- You may wish to provide younger users with more restricted access, whilst allowing greater privileges to older users. Similarly, you may need your filtering system to distinguish between different client machines on your network.
- Workstations in a more public location, which are often used with less supervision from staff, might need more restrictive filtering than workstations that are only used under close supervision.
- Levels of access supported by filters can vary greatly. Some filters are basically on or off, whilst others allow specific configurations for different workstations at individual or group level.
- Filters will normally use English language only. Schools accessing sites in other languages should be aware that alternative technical or supervisory measures may be required.
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