Health

Federal law needed to block porn in libraries, AMA says

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 4, 2006

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Congress should pass a law to restrict Internet access to pornographic materials in libraries and other public areas that children can enter, according to the AMA's House of Delegates. At its Interim Meeting last month, the house also adopted policy in support of school-based media literacy programs to help children as young as 5 learn to use the Internet safely.

"Safe and beneficial use of the Internet by minors requires programs that have strong educational impact on children," AMA Trustee Joseph P. Annis, MD, said in a statement.

While favoring restrictions on Internet use in libraries, the house-approved Board of Trustees report cited a 2002 JAMA study finding that the most restrictive Internet filters block 91% of pornography but also catch 24% of health information sites. As a result, filter settings should be monitored carefully so that children's access to health information isn't unduly hindered, according to the new policy.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/12/04/hlbf1204.htm.

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