School districts nationwide have become more proactive in crafting policies for Internet use.

As part of that, they must balance concerns about online safety with the need to help students take advantage of the Internet's powerful learning technology.

And as they're discovering, there are plenty of potential pitfalls along the way. Consider the recent report that a Garden City USD 457 teacher allegedly used a school computer to show pornographic Internet images to students. According to the district, the teacher apparently got around a filter system intended to block access to such material.

An investigation continues, with the county attorney's office reviewing the case to determine whether charges should be filed. The teacher reportedly has been suspended with pay.

The recent incident also had district technology experts addressing the apparent breach in online security.

While that's to be expected, the problem is that no Web filter system is foolproof.

Adding to the challenge of keeping students safe online is that many youngsters already have access to inappropriate material through their home computers, cell phones or other devices that aren't equipped with such safeguards.

That's why it's vital for educators and parents to make online safety a part of everyday safety by teaching youngsters to use available resources properly. Not by banning Internet use -- that's unrealistic in today's world -- but rather by being proactive in establishing what's appropriate, and by stepping in and discussing questionable online material students may come across.

The Internet offers many positive and educational experiences. Still, dangers lurk, from possible encounters with unsavory characters online, to obscene or other inappropriate material not intended for young eyes.

At this point we can't say whether the investigation into the USD 457 incident will result in charges or other punishment. What we do know is USD 457 staff members must sign a policy for technology use which, in part, prohibits accessing and transmitting pornographic or other offensive material.

But with or without such a policy, educators know accessing porn and other inappropriate information for their personal use at school is wrong -- and sharing such material with students is not only unacceptable, but a sure way to encourage youngsters to access it on their own.

That's one lesson students don't need.