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Illinois to Ban MySpace from Schools and Libraries?

MySpace for DummiesIn another example of won’t-somebody-think-of-the-children idiocy, an Illinois state senator has submitted a bill that will prohibit access to MySpace and other social networking sites in all public schools and libraries. This proposed legislation follows on the footsteps of the currently stalled federal Deleting Online Predators Act of 2006.

Obviously, there are notable problems with this new bill.

First of all, “social networking sites” is a fairly broad term that could cover many websites ranging from Flickr to Amazon.com to YouTube. Hell, the entire Internet is one huge social network as long as e-mail exists, message boards are open, and commenting is enabled.

I understand blocking certain websites in schools, as they can take away electronic resources from academic pursuits. I’ve worked in a school district where MySpace and Flash games distracted students from being productive, and the administration made a decision to restrict access. That’s fine; school computers are for schoolwork. However, that limitation should be used at the discretion of the school administration, not the government.

Internet access in public libraries, on the other hand, must be free and open to everyone. Libraries should provide access to all information, so long as that information does not violate any local, state or federal laws. If kids want to hang out in libraries after school and log on to MySpace on their own time, that’s great. I’ll admit the usual motley of teenagers at the downtown Eugene library are annoying, but it’s probably better for them to be there than hanging out in the parking lot of the Circle K. They might even check out a book.

Resources and energy devoted to “protecting our children” online by shielding them from potential predators, should instead go toward educating them. Computer classes in schools could spend a day or two on lessons for protecting oneself on the Internet. “Don’t give out your name and contact information.” “Don’t agree to meet strangers.” Maybe the library could lead a one-hour class on online safety that minors have to attend in order to get Internet access. Sure, some kids won’t listen, but others will.

Or we can all just rely on the Bear Patrol of big government to protect us all.

(via Slashdot, photo credit: jm3)

  1. lauren says:

    i think that teachers can go do sumpthing else they dont have the right to tell us what wesites we can and cant go to.!.!.!.>!

    sencirley LAUREN

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