Net Family News: Part 3 of 'Digital Kids 2000'

Comments from Library Patrons on Kids & the Internet

In fall 2000 the Bozeman Public Library conducted a survey of patrons about kids using the Internet at the library. Note the variety of views just in this one town of some 25,000 in southwestern Montana.

"The fact of the matter is, it's a parent's job to monitor their children's activities. The parent has many options, including sitting with the child while she's on the Internet and making it clear to the child that she shouldn't use the Internet unless her parent is with her. We have a satellite dish on one TV at our home, and I occasionally tune to the Cartoon Network for my kids. I leave them alone with the understanding that they are not allowed to use the remote to change the channel if I'm not in the room, because of trash they might find. But that's my responsibility to train them to obey what I say - no one else's to remove any potentially offensive material."
"The Internet is just one of the resources at the library. It should not be censored any more than books or periodicals. Librarians are not baby-sitters."
"I think it is imperative that parents be allowed to maintain total control over what minor children access on the Internet. Just as the libary doesn't have offensive books available, they should not allow unrestricted access to the Internet, especially for minors."
"I am concerned that we are not protecting children. The Library should be a safe place for children, and pornographic materials should not be readily available for children. It's a shame that more people don't know about this!!"
"I agree completely with the notion that the primary responsibility lies with the parent to be involved in the child's life."
"The library should be the last place for censorship to occur. Concerned parents should monitor their kids themselves."
"The materials in the children's area are already selected on an age appropriate basis - that should extend to Internet access in that area also."
"If 'It takes a village to raise a child', what will it take for you to join in" Maybe we should petition the city to cut your funding."
"I think that children should stay pure as long as possible and that adults should do their best in this aspect of raising childrn, helping parents to raise their children, after all it does take a community to raise children."