What is the purpose of Internet filtering software?

The purpose of Internet filtering software is primarily to control access to designated websites. This software is designed to help manage the content that students can view while using the internet, ensuring that they are exposed to appropriate material that aligns with educational standards and policies. By filtering internet content, schools can protect students from harmful or non-educational websites, thus providing a safer online environment for research and learning.

While options such as encouraging student independence in research or replacing traditional library selection tools may seem valuable, they do not accurately describe the fundamental role of filtering software. Instead, filtering software serves a more protective and supervisory function, ensuring that access to online resources is appropriate, rather than focusing on promoting independence or acting as a substitute for library tools. Additionally, filtering software does not influence the speed of search engines; rather, its main function is to manage the safety and appropriateness of internet usage.