Embedded Files
All Pamlico County Schools users will observe the following guidelines regarding Internet use.
5451.1 Acceptable Use - Use of the Internet must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the Pamlico County Schools. Transmission of any material in violation of any law or regulation, including any Board policy, is prohibited. Use of the Internet for commercial activities is prohibited, as is use for political lobbying.
5451.2 Restricted Material - Users shall not intentionally access or download any text file, picture (including video), graphic or sound clip, or engage in any conference that includes material which is obscene, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd, or which advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law.
5451.2(a) Active Restriction and Measures. The Pamlico County Schools will utilize filtering software or other technologies to prevent students and adults from accessing visual depictions that are: (1) obscene or (2) child pornography, and to prevent students from accessing visual depictions that are (3) harmful to minors. The Pamlico County Schools will also monitor the online activities of students, through direct observation and/or technological means, to ensure that students are not accessing such depictions or any other material which is inappropriate for minors.
Internet filtering software and other technology-based protection systems may be disabled, as necessary, for purposes of bona fide research or other educational projects being conducted by adults.
The term “harmful to minors” is defined as meaning any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
a. taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
b. depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual
act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
c. taken as a whole, lacks serious literacy, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
5451.3 Copyright Infringement - Users shall respect all copyright, trademark and licensing agreements and laws, including seeking permission when required.
5451.4 Network Etiquette - Users are expected to abide by the following rules of network etiquette:
a. Use appropriate language. Use of language which is vulgar, profane or lewd is prohibited.
b. Do not send messages which include insulting or fighting words or expressions which are designed, intended or likely to injure or harass others.
c. Do not give out personal information such as a home address, home phone number or last name, social security numbers, or credit card numbers whether about yourself or about other students or colleagues.
d. Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system may be able to access all mail.
Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
e. Do not use the network in such a way as to disrupt the use of the network by other users.
f. All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.
g. Do not use the school’s computer network for the purpose of hacking or to gain unauthorized access to other computers or computer systems, files, or data.
h. Network users are provided with a User ID and password for accessing the network. Users should not use another person’s User ID and password for accessing the network, nor should a user allow another person to use his or her User ID and password.
i. Users shall not attempt to alter the network, disable security features, or evade network filtering. Personal devices shall not be attached to the network without explicit permission of the network administrator.
j. Users should respect all copyright, trademark and licensing agreements and laws, including seeking permission when required.
k. The school network or computer equipment shall not be used for personal commercial transactions.
5451.5 Quality of Information - The Board makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the service it is providing. The Pamlico County Schools will not be responsible for any damages suffered by any user. Such damages include, but are not limited to, loss of data resulting from delays, non- deliveries, misdeliveries or service interruptions, whether caused by the school system's or the user's negligence, errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the risk of the user. The Pamlico County Schools specifically disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its Internet services.
5451.6 Proper Citation - When using information obtained via the Internet, provide proper citations for all quotes, references and sources. It is unethical to plagiarize Internet resources, just as it is unethical to plagiarize print resources.
5451.7 Vandalism - Vandalism may result in loss of laptop or school computer access or user privileges and will require restitution. Vandalism is defined as any deliberate attempt to harm or destroy the hardware, software, or data of another user, including, but not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
5451.8 Privileges - The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. This privilege may be revoked for violation of Board policy. Inappropriate or illegal use of the Internet may also result in disciplinary or legal action.
Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-36, -47, -391; Trademark Act of 1946, 15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.; Copyright Act of 1976, 17 U.S.C. 101 et seq.; Children’s Internet Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. 254(h)(5)
Adopted: June 5, 2000
Revised: September 3, 2002
Revised: December 1, 2008
Revised: April 4, 2011
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