Within the last few years, there has been a lot of banter about “inappropriate” sites on the Internet.

Controversy often includes pornography and violence related Web pages, and children’s access to these pictures, and information is at the base of the problem.

We firmly believe that anyone who wishes to access any sort of Web site should not be stopped from doing so — nor should site operators be forced to obey a certain page content.

Why is this?

It’s a little constitutional freedom called freedom of speech.

We’re sure you’ve heard about it.

However, we agree that there are many tasteless Web sites children probably shouldn’t be spending their time digesting.

That’s why an ISU professors’ computer program which controls accessing in elementary schools is a good idea.

Associate Professor Doug Jacobson’s Screendoor program has been tested in area schools and will soon be marketed nationally.

It terminates connections to sites the school feels are inappropriate for children.

This includes pornography.

School is an opportunity for children to learn about the world.

But schools must maintain an educational focus, with specific regard to the ages they are teaching.

It may not be a good idea to install Screendoor in high schools, but it does give schools the opportunity to tailor the program to their needs.

“Catholic schools might not find pages that deal with condoms appropriate,” Jacobson said.

Although there are some deceiving Internet connections out there — such as search words that have nothing to do with a pornography site.

However, Screendoor is a good start for schools to keep the bugs out of their educational systems.