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Filtering Software

Schools in Winnipeg School Division #1(WSD#1) take advantage of a centrally located proxy server which restricts websites with pre-determined unacceptable content. Parents and guardians may purchase filtering software for their home computers. Most programs allow the user to specify which words or phrases are to be considered unacceptable. Some programs track sites and graphics, individual's access and can even e-mail parents the lists of sites and graphics if specified to do so. A link to detailed information on filtering software is provided on the "Safety Links" page.

Words of caution regarding all filtering software:

	Internet filters use American English and spelling.
	Internet filters require regular updating since thousands of new sites are added daily.
	All Internet filters cannot distinguish the context in which a word is used. This filters out useful sites. If teachers find an appropriate site you'd like to use with your students that is unnecessarily blocked, please contact the school technology representative.
	Breaking through filtering systems can be taken as a challenge to some young adults. Young children have learned how to disable filtering software by visiting "hacker sites" (possibly accessible on a friend's home computer). As one WSD#1 computer educator recently noted, filtering software in essence "protects the innocent".

The WSD#1 has developed an Acceptable Use Policy that students and parents are required to read and sign. This policy increases awareness of potential safety hazards, prevents willful misconduct, and prescribes consequences.