This level allows access to the same websites as Level 5, but allows access to Social Networking sites, such as ‘facebook’, and other similar social networking web sites. This is the widest level of content filtering available. This level allows access to the same websites as Level 4, but allows access to ‘personal websites category’, and other similar types of websites, such as blogs. This level allows access to the same websites as Level 3, but allows access to ‘YouTube’, which has become widely used in schools for teaching and learning in the last few years. It allows access to millions of websites including games but blocks 'YouTube', and blocks access to websites belonging to the 'personal websites' category and websites such as Facebook belonging to the 'Social Networking' category. This level is currently used by a majority of schools. millions) of educational and other websites but it blocks websites belonging to the ‘games’ category.

This level allows access to a wide range (i.e. Level 1 is used by a very small number of schools, as it is generally perceived as being a little too restrictive by most schools. This content filtering level allows access to a specific list of educational and related websites and other websites commonly used by schools.

The six levels are summarised below, all six levels block access to inappropriate material in categories such as pornography, violence etc., Level one is the most restrictive (as outlined below), while level six is the ‘widest’ level available as it allows access to websites such as youtube, personal blogging and social networking. Content filtering systems classify websites into different ‘categories’, and these categories are used to control which category of website is allowed for schools on the different filtering levels. If schools subsequently want to change the level that is applied, they can do so by a formal written communication from the school to the Schools Broadband Service Desk, which is the single point of contact for all schools in relation to schools broadband. Schools can choose from these six levels, and the chosen level of content filtering is implemented by the Schools Broadband team for the school. Within the content filtering service provided, schools are given a choice of six different levels of content filtering so that they can choose a level that best meets their particular situation, age group of students etc. The purpose of Content filtering is to ensure (in so far as possible) that inappropriate websites and content are not accessible from within schools.

Contingency Planning for Digital LearningĬontent filtering is an essential and integrated element of the broadband service that is provided to schools by the Schools Broadband Programme.

Digital Learning Framework Webinar Series.

Digital Learning Framework and Planning Resources - Post-Primary.

Digital Learning Framework and Planning Resources - Primary.

Internet filtering service