Schools that decide not to use filtering are also concerned that the installation of filtering sends a message to their teachers that it is all right to leave their students unsupervised when they are using the Internet. Additional reasons for not choosing to use filtering include the fact that an approach of standards, instruction, supervision, and discipline if well implemented is effective in preventing inappropriate access and that the limited school funds for technology can be directed to professional and curriculum development. Schools that adopt this more comprehensive approach generally have parental and student involvement with a school or district committee that engages in planning related to responsible use issues. The standards are expressed in a district policy. More importantly, standards are discussed regularly with students.
Students receive instruction on responsible use issues before they are entitled to have access.
This instruction includes lessons on the presence of inappropriate material and in struction in skills to to avoid the inadvertent access of such material. Student use of the Internet is well supervised. Students who fail to abide by the standards are disciplined. Parents have the opportunity to learn more the Internet and their student's use of the Internet in their school. Problems that do emerge are promptly addressed by the committee and are used as learning experiences to improve their practices.