Researchers from www.cyberbullying.us provide comments
Dr. Sameer Hinduja of Florida Atlantic University, along with his colleague Justin W. Patchin of the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire, has been researching Internet safety issues among youth for the past seven years, and works nationally and internationally with youth, parents, educators, law enforcement, and the private sector to reduce online victimization. Dr. Hinduja and Dr. Patchin also administer the most comprehensive Web site on cyberbullying at www.cyberbullying.us, which provides research summaries, stories, downloadable resources, fact sheets, and an informative blog with timely discussions of the latest issues surrounding teens and technology.
Working with youth-serving adults across the United States, my colleague Justin and I have been interested to hear how filtering software solutions are being employed to promote safe and responsible Internet use. Generally speaking, filtering software blocks Internet content that is deemed inappropriate for children (e.g., violent or pornographic material). This is typically done in two ways: site blocking and content monitoring.
Site blocking filters typically prohibit computer users from accessing Web sites designated as inappropriate (those on a “black list”). Alternatively, some site blocking filters only allow users to access sites that have been preapproved (those on a “white list”). Both approaches usually do not block instant messaging, e-mail, peer-to-peer (P2P) applications, or other software that may pose problems or threats.
Content monitoring generally uses a key word-blocking approach. Here, data are analyzed against a library of user-defined words and phrases deemed unfitting. The software then blocks that data regardless of the Internet application (or medium) through which it comes. Moreover, software programs such as CyberPatrol Parental Controls allow users to block specific categories that identify certain types of Web sites.
We definitely support using these programs as a part of a comprehensive approach to online safety and responsibility. We just want to make sure that adults don’t assume that a software solution is the cure-all. Alone, they will not keep all kids safe from accessing inappropriate content or being bullied online. Indeed, some research has shown that filtering software and the specification of Internet usage rules is not significantly related to a decreased chance of Internet harassment victimization. You might also assume that adolescents will engage in Internet misbehavior on others computers (such as those belonging to a friend, or at school, or in a public library) that do not have software filters in place. It is therefore essential to teach youth to use technology responsibly so that they will chose to do the right thing when online (and off).
CyberPatrol also believes in promoting education and awareness of risks and dangers in cyberspace, and the proper strategies for preventing and responding to potential and actual harm. They’ve also recognized the growing problem of cyberbullying as one that merits their attention and response, which is why they’ve been working with us in getting the relevant knowledge and resources out there in the hands of many. We’ll be guest-blogging more about cyberbullying and the ways you can keep your children safe online in the weeks ahead. Together, we can make a measurable difference in reaching youth and the adults who care for them with the information and tools necessary to benefit from all of the positives of the Internet without being overly susceptible to its negatives.