5063 - Internet Safety Policy

The Board of Education in accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act and the Protecting Children in the 21^st Century Act requires that the District educate, supervise and monitor the appropriate usage by students of the District's online computer network and access to the Internet.

All District computers and electronic devices with Internet access to be used by or with students, shall be equipped with technology protection measures or Internet filters. This protection will block or filter inappropriate material or pictures that are obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors. Internet access to all newly acquired computers and electronic devices will have filtering or blocking technology installed. This shall be documented by the Technology Department. Access to specific websites may be enabled for staff and/or students on an individual basis for bona fide research or other lawful purpose. Requests for access to specific websites that are otherwise blocked shall be made to the Director of Technology.

The District, through its staff members and technology and systems reviews shall monitor online activities of student while in school, including, but not limited to use of e-mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct communication or instant messaging. Monitoring shall also be used to supervise and prevent "hacking" and other unlawful activities by students, as well as to insure access to materials harmful to minors is denied.

All District Internet users, including staff and students, are prohibited from the unauthorized disclosure, use or dissemination of personal identification information regarding students.

Staff shall be responsible for educating students on appropriate online behavior, including safety on the Internet, appropriate behavior while online, on social networking Web sites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response, in accordance with the District's Acceptable Use Policy for Student Computer and Internet Use.

Any user who receives harassing, threatening or unwelcome communications shall immediately bring them to the attention of the teacher, building administrator or superintendent, as appropriate.

Any violation of this policy may result in the revocation of the use of the District's computer systems and access to the internet, disciplinary proceedings and/or referral to law enforcement officials.

Adopted by the Board of Education June 19, 2012