[OPLINTECH] Chat Blocking?

[Mann, James H.]

We use Websense and have blocked Chat for awhile. Frankly, at first it
was easy....you just blocked chatplanet or chat city and you were good
to go. Now, the real problem is java-based chat which is harder to block
because it is stateless. We ended up blocking games because that was
where our teens were getting into trouble with chat. We also block
instant messaging. The trick is to get a good filter which will block
chat both by IP and by protocol....and admit up front that this is a
less than perfect solution.

Jim Mann
Technology Coordinator
Greene County Public Library
Xenia Ohio 45385
(937) 376-2996 x210
mailto: jmann at gcpl.lib.oh.us

-----Original Message-----
From: oplintech-admin at oplin.org [mailto:oplintech-admin at oplin.org] On
Behalf Of James Guilford
Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2005 2:41 PM
To: OPLIN_Tech
Subject: [OPLINTECH] Chat Blocking?

Hello,

We are having problems lately with young teens becoming rowdy when using

chat on the Internet-connected computers in our Youth Services area. 
Prior to this there has been little trouble with teens using chat; they 
were quiet and respectful. Now staff are demanding a technological 
solution as the under-staffed service desk can't handle legitimate 
assistance demands plus "police" duties.

We are not currently filtered but are looking at a computer scheduling 
system (SAM) which, when pared with a filter package, claims to be able 
to block chat.

For those sites blocking chat: what success have you had, what 
techniques/products are you using to stop the madness?

Thanks in advance!

-- 
------------------------------------
James Guilford, I.T. Manager
Westlake Porter Public Library
http://www.westlakelibrary.org

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