The former government had initiated a program called Net Alert that provided a free internet filtering service to all Australian citizens. An internet filter is a program used to block unwanted internet sites such as pornography. While supervision is always needed, this service prevents children from stumbling upon such sites and increases the safety of the internet.

The new government has not continued this program and has now disbanded the proposal of internet filtering through the internet service provider. There are arguments for and against the different methods of filtering but the bottom line for us is that we will now have to pay for this service.

I have looked at various other solutions designed for schools but the best solution for us will be to continue using the Safe Eyes service. This will cost $23 per computer and shall be installed on all school computers immediately. For students using their own or family laptop, you will need to purchase this service through the school. This will provide internet filtering for the student both at school and at home. This expense is eligible for the Education Tax rebate.

For private laptops, the internet will only be available through the school’s Safe Eyes profile. Other home internet filtering services are inadequate. If you do not wish to proceed with the continuation of Safe Eyes, the laptop will not be able to continue using the internet at school.