Beginning next year, children under 13 will need a parent’s written permission before being able to surf unfiltered at the Fort Vancouver (Wash.) Regional Library. The policy, which was approved by a 4–3 library board vote October 14, also gives parents the option of denying their youngsters any Internet access at all. Patrons who are 13–17 will be able to select filtered or unfiltered access for themselves, although their parents can override their decision.
FVRL’s previous policy allowed minors unfiltered access unless a parent or guardian requested that the child’s Internet sessions utilize blocking software. “Changing the policy to 'default filter on’ for children was a very difficult decision for the board,” acknowledged FVRL Executive Director Bruce Ziegman in an October 16 statement, adding that the new policy keeps access decisions regarding children “firmly in the hands of parents.”
Ironically, FVRL Associate Director Candace Morgan testified earlier this year in support of ALA’s challenge to the Children’s Internet Protection Act, which maintained filters were ineffective in protecting youngsters from content deemed obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.
Posted October 21, 2002.