Internet Filtering

The continuing trend towards abstinence-only education has often resulted in a lack of discussion on topics such as contraception and safer sex, as well as homosexuality and gender dysphoria issues in the classroom, making the Internet an increasingly essential conduit to access information about these health issues. According to Dailard (2000), the focus on abstinence-only education in public schools has eliminated discussion about contraceptives and safer sex information, other than their failure rates, and aims to discourage not only pre-marital sex, but extra-marital sex altogether. And the Alan Guttmacher Institute, along with Planned Parenthood and the Sexuality Information Council of the United States, joined the American Library Association in a failed lawsuit against CIPA, recognizing its negative impact on adolescents seeking vital health information.

A book on Internet Filtering

Because the Internet plays a vital role in disseminating health and sexuality information, it is essential to understand the unique impact it has on the lives of sexual minority youth. Gay, lesbian, and transgendered adolescents often find themselves in hostile, openly homophobic environments, which may contribute to feelings of isolation and despair. Without a sufficient social network to handle the issues endemic to adolescence and issues regarding their sexuality, many sexual minority adolescents struggle without the necessary tools to make informed decisions about their health and sexual choices. They may find little solace in their friends and family when seeking out information about their sexuality or mental health and find the Internet to be their sole avenue to answer their questions. Interestingly, the studies that have attempted to measure the online information-seeking behavior of sexual minority youth indicate that 51 percent admit they revealed their sexual orientation to someone online before their friends or family (Garry et al, 1999). This statistic highlights the importance of Internet use among growing youth, effectively demonstrating the importance of their ability to build a community in which they can discuss their particular concerns and issues. Building a social network of support and community is vital to mental health and social development, ultimately allowing adolescents to make more informed choices about their health.

It can be concluded that internet filtering has its pros and cons, and it is important to keep in mind the wellbeing of the youth when laws are regulated. If internet filtering is to be practiced, parents must be ready to effectively take up the role as educators in matters of sexuality and sex to youth in order to educate them.

References
1. Dailard, C. (2000). Fueled by campaign promises, drive intensifies to boost abstinence-only education funds. The Guttmacher Report on Public Policy, (April 2000). Retrieved November 1, 2004 from http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/tgr/03/2/gr030201.pdf

2. Garry, J.M., Javier, L., Schneider, K., Spear, J., Walsh, J., Clayton, G., Smith, G.A., et al. (1999). Access denied version 2.0: the continuing threat against internet access and privacy and its impact on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. [n.d.]. Retrieved November 1, 2004 from http://www.glaad.org/documents/media/AccessDenied2.pdf