Should Australian Prisoners Be Allowed Access To The Internet?

It’s easy to take education for granted.

For many, the twelve-year gauntlet from grade one to grade twelve is an exhausting, emotional one. Then there are those who ‘Forrest Gump’ their way through that marathon and just keep on going with university or training. When it all comes to an end, the prevalent sensation among graduates is that of relief.

Yet, whether the schooling experience was good or “I don’t want to talk about it” bad, most come out the other side with learnings and skills that enrich their lives… and keep them employable.

So, what becomes of the rehabilitated Australian prisoners who, upon release, begin looking for ways to contribute to society?

Only 14 per cent of Australian prisoners have received their Year 12 diplomas, compared to the general population’s high school graduation rate of 63 per cent.

Forty-seven per cent of the Australian prison population have no formal qualifications at all.

The most concerning statistic, however, is that 56 per cent of prisoners re-offend. Is there a link between that statistic, and the above statistic that suggests many would have trouble finding work in the real world?

A new essay by The Conversation wonders if inmates should be given access to the internet as a means of helping skill them up for their eventual release.

Though the snap reaction may be to say, “This could backfire, badly,” strategies in Norway and New Zealand to offer educational programs to prisoners via the internet have helped reduce recidivism.

For instance, the rates of re-offense in New Zealand are between eight and 11 per cent.

The Tasmanian Prison Service and the Alexander Maconochie Centre in the ACT are now trialing similar programs, either through limited internet access or e-learning technology solutions that sit outside of the World Wide Web.

(The Alexander Maconochie Centre is in fact the only prison in Australia permitting direct access to the net at this time.)

All worst case scenarios lead to dangerous offenders now having the power to threaten the public from within their cells. (Although, if we’ve learnt anything from recent months, we shouldn’t be so naïve to think that what happens on a computer isn’t being intimately monitored at all times.)

But, shouldn't we consider those offenders who have made amends and are eager to turn their life around? Those who want to be educated, and don't have the opportunity?

Or, have they blown their chance?

What are your thoughts on allowing prisoners access to the internet for educational purposes?