The DET filter.

The DET filter is having quite an impact on internet use of any kind within TAFE. There is much discussion about protecting students from material on the internet. This is an extract from Roz Helyard's project feedback.

I can communicate with young people and am in a much better place to help with ethical issues relating to the internet and www. This is an issue I am really interested in as I feel that young people are using the net without educational guidance as their parents and teachers do not use social software like Myspace so are not in a position to know what to do to help young people. I feel like I am much more in tune and do provide educational support and warnings to young people. I think that the education department, due to fear, has created huge blocks on most sites and as a result young people are out there by themselves using the www without ethical and educational guidelines. I feel I am in a much better position to know what young people are up to and provide educational support.

Just as kids need "street smarts" so they must have "web smarts" to protect themselves, we have an important role to play in helping them acheive that.