Library to tighten Internet filtering

Filters on library computers will prevent children from accessing MySpace and other social networking Web sites.

By: Donna Lukiw
   Library employees have called police after finding students accessing inappropriate Web sites on library computers, according to Library Director Ed Smith, and now the library is adding new rules to try and reduce such incidents.
   "We’ve had police here several times because children were looking at inappropriate sexual things," Mr. Smith said. "The police talk to the children and send them home. They’re 10 and 12, they’re not 21."
   Some of the inappropriate content has been found on the popular Web site MySpace.com, a social networking Web site where anyone with Internet access can post photos, blogs and personal information and have access to other members’ personal information.
   While MySpace.com can be used to chat with friends and share photos, the teenagers are also exposed to nude photos, inappropriate language and discussions about using drugs and alcohol.
   "The library board wants to protect the children from MySpace," Mr. Smith said. "We’re going to filter that out. You can’t expect two or three librarians to control all that."
   The Manville Public Library is in the process of installing filters on the library computers to prevent children from accessing MySpace and other social networking Web sites.
   The library joins schools and public libraries in the country in restricting access to MySpace. Some private schools have even attempted to ban the students from accessing MySpace at home.
   Mr. Smith said the children must now bring their library card to have Internet access, parents must sign a child’s registration form for Internet access and parents must provide their work, home and cell phone numbers.
   Mr. Smith said if children do not act appropriately at the library, as a last resort, they will have their library card revoked.
   "It’s a preventive measure," Mr. Smith said. "You can see from the circulation desk what sites they’re going on. We want them to do their homework and go home peacefully."
   School and library officials across the country became concerned about the use of sites like MySpace.com — some say children are lured into meeting with pedophiles or other dangerous adults through such sites.
   "People are getting raped in New Jersey," Mr. Smith said. "You have 50-year-olds going after 13-year-olds.
   "We’re a small community. We want to keep the kids safe," he added.
   The Manville School District has already installed filters on the school computers and Alexander Batcho Intermediate School.
   Principal Jim Brunn said if a student tries to access an inappropriate site, administrators will be notified.
   "Many students get on sites that may not be the best for them," Dr. Brunn said. "If a kid is trying to get on a pornographic site, a flag will come up and it can be tracked."
   The library board of trustees will have a meeting next month to vote on policies regarding filters for the library’s computers.