A mechanical device cannot substitute for a parent's watchful eye. According to a recent survey by Jupiter Research, only 6 percent of parent use stand-alone filtering technology. The e-rate and LSTA programs specifically support improving access to technology in libraries. The vast majority of children and adults continue to use the library and the Internet responsibly and appropriately. Parents don't need filters to protect their children online any more than they need a bodyguard to protect them in public.
Most libraries offer Internet safety classes and tips online.
Parents should accompany young children to the library and establish rules and expectations for older children. It's important to teach children how to make good decisions about what they read and view, no matter where they are. The American Library Association believes strongly that the Children's Internet Protection Act is unconstitutional in both the context of the public library and the school library. The American Library Association remains firmly committed to supporting the school community and pledges to support any legal effort by school groups to challenge the constitutionality of the Children's Internet Protection Act in the school context. The ALA does not, however, have legal standing to challenge CIPA on behalf of school libraries because school libraries are not the direct recipients of federal funds under this statute, but rather receive funding through their individual schools.