Web filtering
As the internet becomes an increasingly significant tool in education, it is important that staff and students have access to safe and appropriate online resources and material.
All Queensland state schools use a web filtering system—which is applied to both school computers and devices provided to staff and students.
How does internet filtering work?
Internet filtering involves restricting access to websites and online activities that are considered inappropriate or not aligned to government policies and procedures.
This system helps protect staff and students against:
- inappropriate webpages
- spyware and malware
- using insecure instant messaging platforms
- engaging in peer-to-peer file sharing
- falling victim to scam and identity theft.
When staff and students attempt to access a website on a school device (either at school or home), the filtering system automatically checks the content and it is then either available or blocked.
Although internet filtering is useful, it is not a substitute for supervising your child. As a parent or caregiver, you play an important role in helping your children have safe and positive experiences online.
Internet filtering at school and at home
At school, students are restricted from accessing websites such as:
- social networking sites e.g. Facebook
- open/mixed content sites e.g. Vimeo
- chat sites e.g. omegle
- internet telephony
- media sharing e.g. snapfish.com.
These restrictions are in place to limit access to harmful or inappropriate content and help protect students’ personal information and safeguard their digital identities.
Internet filtering is less restrictive when students use their school-issued device at home.
At home, students can access:
- blogs and personal sites
- chat/instant messaging e.g. omegle
- internet telephony
- media sharing
- file storage or online sharing e.g. Dropbox
- software downloads.
Students accessing the internet at home on a school-issued device will continue to experience internet filtering comparable to their experience at school. Parents/caregivers can request to reduce the level of filtering restrictions on their child’s school-issued device by speaking with their school and accepting the risks associated with increasing their access to ‘Medium’ level.
See what online content is unblocked or blocked (PDF, 337KB) for students.
A site I want is blocked
If you are a student and need access to a website that has been blocked, speak to your teacher. Your school will investigate and get back to you with an outcome.
If you come across something upsetting or inappropriate online
If you’ve seen something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, upset or unsafe, please speak to a trusted adult immediately. This could be your parents or your teachers. You can also report any serious online concerns to the eSafety Commissioner for further support and assistance.
For staff, if you come across inappropriate content or if a student reports such content to you, please ensure you promptly contact the department’s Service Centre for guidance and support.
I own a website that is blocked by Education Queensland
If you own a website that is blocked by Education Queensland and you don’t think it should be, you can contact your school and they will submit a request to have it reviewed. School contact details are available by phoning 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or searching the schools directory.
More information
More information on internet filtering is available.
Contact your school for more information. School contact details are available by phoning 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or searching the schools directory.