Censorship on Internet

Secondary & High SchoolAdvancedDiscursive Writing

Write a discursive essay exploring the debate around internet censorship for young people.

Your Task: Discuss both sides of the question: Should parents or governments be allowed to filter or censor what young people can see and do online?

In your writing, ensure you:

  • Explore the arguments in favour of censorship, focusing on safety and protection.
  • Explore the arguments against censorship, focusing on freedom of speech and access to information.
  • Maintain an objective, balanced tone throughout your discussion.

💡 Writing Tips

  • •

    Imagine the internet is like a giant library. Should some books be locked away?

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    Think about why grown-ups might want to protect you online (e.g., stopping bullying, bad words, scary pictures).

  • •

    Then think about why it's good to be free to see and say what you want (e.g., learning new things, sharing ideas).

  • •

    Use words like "Some people think..." and "However, others believe..." to show both sides.

  • •

    Give examples from things you see online, like games or videos.

📝 Sample Answer

The internet is an amazing place where we can learn so much and connect with friends. But sometimes, people wonder if grown-ups should 'filter' what young people see online, like blocking certain websites or videos.

On one hand, many people believe that blocking some content is important to keep children safe. There are scary videos, mean comments, and fake news that could upset or mislead young people. If grown-ups filter these things, it could protect us from bullying, bad language, or seeing things that are too grown-up. It's like having a helpful guide who makes sure you don't wander into dangerous parts of a big city.

However, on the other hand, some people argue that everyone should have the freedom to see and say what they want online. They believe that blocking content might stop us from learning new things or hearing different opinions. What if a filter blocks something that could be helpful or creative? Also, if everything is filtered, how will young people learn to make good choices for themselves online when they get older? It’s like saying you can only read certain books in the library, even if others are safe to read.

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