In order to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Timberland Regional Library (Library) has taken certain measures to assist in the safe and effective use of the Internet by all minors.
To address the issue of access by minors to adult matter on the Internet, including material that is harmful to minors, the Library:
- Maintains an Internet content filter designed to block Internet sites that contain adult content (nudity and graphical depictions of sexual activity). This also includes content determined to be obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. The filter is designed to not block sex education or health sites. The Library’s public wireless Internet is filtered for all patrons.
- Maintains PC management software that restricts minors under the age of seventeen (17) to filtered Internet access only.
To address the issue of the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications, as well as unauthorized disclosure of, use, and dissemination of personal identification regarding minors, the Library urges minors to follow safety guidelines:
- Never give out identifying information such as home address, school name, or telephone number.
- Let parents or guardians decide whether personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information should be provided online.
- Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone through a computer without parent or guardian approval.
- Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, threatening, or make you uncomfortable.
- Have parents or guardians report to library staff if you become aware of the transmission of child pornography (or call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678).
- Remember that people online may not be who they say they are.
- Remember that not everything you read is true.
To address the issue of unauthorized access, including hacking and other unlawful activities by minors online:
- Minors and all other Library Internet users are required to agree to an online Internet User Agreement that states that “Library computers are not to be used for any illegal activity, including child pornography as defined by Washington RCW 9.68A.070.”
Adopted by the Timberland Regional Library Board of Trustees on September 26, 2018.
REVISED: June 15, 2020
