THE Internet is a giant library in cyberspace. Like a conventional library, it contains a wealth of knowledge on every subject imaginable. And it also contains material that is aimed at, and should be restricted to, adults.

Boys are naturally curious about this material. In the past they have sought it out from the bookshelves while the librarian was distracted. Today, they look for it on the Internet when the parent or teacher's back is turned.

That is what happened at Joseph Rowntree School. Four boys found pornography on the Internet, in the same way that previous generations of pupils might have passed around a 'top shelf' magazine or book. They have been suspended from using the Internet at school until next year.

The head teacher, Hugh Porter, has also warned other pupils that they would face the same punishment if they accessed unsuitable web sites. This is a proportionate response to this misdemeanour.

The case again highlights the potential problems of children using the Internet. It is right that schools encourage pupils to use the Net, which is not only a vast depository of information but also an important tool in the modern workplace.

The unrestricted nature of cyberspace is one of its joys - and hazards. There is a lot of unpleasant and offensive material out there which no parent would wish their child to see.

Nicky Cottingham, one of the parents of the boys involved, has called for software to be fitted to the school computers that prevents children from finding adult sites. Mr Porter said such filters had been removed because they slowed down access to the Internet.

Instead, all York school children sign a pledge not to access inappropriate sites, which places the responsibility on the individual.

This seems a reasonable compromise, at least until the introduction of broadband technology. That will speed up download times and should allow software filters to be reinstalled, to the relief of teachers and parents.

Updated: 10:34 Thursday, October 04, 2001