Internet Filtering - Frequently Asked Questions

A) ​ Students learn digital citizenship to understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology, and through this learning are able to practice safe, legal and ethical behavior. Digital citizenship teaches students to:​​ ​​​      

• ​advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology;  
• ​exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity;  
• demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning; and​  
• exhibit leadership for proper technology use.

Users are expected to use technology responsibly as outlined in the  Responsible Use Procedures for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Administrative Procedure.

A) With the increased use of technology on Board networks it is important students have access to the tools they require for learning.  

HDSB has implemented Internet filtering for content that is:   ​

• ​categorized as 18+ content sites

• proxy sites

• sites that are potentially damaging to our network while on the Board network

Students in HDSB are expected to use technology responsibly and are taught Digital Citizenship and the importance of practicing ethical and legal digital behaviour both within and outside of the classroom.​

A)  Websites are filtered based on categories. A third party categorizes all websites found on the Internet.  

The Halton District School Board will filter proxy and adult/18+ content websites (pornographic websites)​ for all staff and students when on the Board network.

Application websites are categorized and may not be considered adult/18+ content websites but may contain adult content.  The terms and conditions of the application website would identify how to report inappropriate content. 

The categories HDSB filters are:

• Proxy

• Pornographic

• Adult/Mature Content

• Other Adult Materials

• HDSB has implemented additional technologies to help prevent malicious materials/content from impacting HDSB users and devices - ie., malware, virus

A)  An Internet page will be displayed identifying "This website is blocked due to HDSB filtering rules".​

There is a link from this page to request a review to unblock site to support educational use.

A)  The definition of pornography as defined by the filtering vendor includes:  ​  

• ​Mature content websites (18+ years and over) which present or display sexual acts with or without the intent to sexually arouse and excite 
• Depict the human body in full or partial nudity
• Feature or depict sexuality, sex clubs, strip clubs, excluding sex education

A)  Responsibilities regarding digital citizenship are integrated into the curriculum to help guide student usage.  However, those devices would not be filtered by the Halton District School Board.  Parents may wish to put website filtering tools onto those devices.

A)  This will  not impact student learning. 

A)  Filtering is provided while the device is on the Board’s Internet network for Board and personal devices. 

HDSB filtering is not available and will not impact devices if in use at home or where a student is using a non-HDSB network, ie: Cellular Data.

A)  The filter does not prevent adult content from websites not categorized as adult/18+ from being accessed.

These types of community/social media sites would not be filtered since they are not categorized as pornography (18+ content). YouTube’s “community guidelines” state no pornographic content is permitted on their site.  

The terms and conditions of the application website would identify how to report inappropriate content.

A)  ​SafeSearch is enabled on HDSB devices and when users login to the Chrome browser using their HDSB account - on or off the Board network.

SafeSearch helps filter out explicit content in search results.

A)  No. The purpose of the filter is to block access to pornography and proxy websites. Activities such as cyber-bullying cannot be blocked using an Internet filter. Responsible digital citizenship practices are always encouraged.

Users are expected to use technology responsibly as outlined in the  Responsible Use Procedures for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Administrative Procedure.

A)  The filter provides excellent protection in preventing access to adult content websites, as the filter provider continually reviews and categorizes websites to ensure accuracy.

The filter does not prevent adult content from websites not categorized as adult/18+ from being accessed.

A)  HDSB has made the decision to remove access for students to launch an Incognito Window when logged into the Chrome browser using their HDSB.ca account.  This will be effective on any device (on or off the Board network) if using their HDSB account.

Incognito windows may  allow users to  bypass some HDSB network, device and account policies.