Overview

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law that was put into effect over concern for children's online privacy.  It controls what personal information may be collected from children under the age of 13 by companies operating apps and websites.  Personal information includes items such as first and last name, address, username, and telephone number.  COPPA requires companies to post a privacy policy detailing their information practices for collecting personal information from children, provide notice to parents, and obtain parental consent before collecting personal information.

Under COPPA, School Districts are authorized to provide consent on behalf of parents and may approve a student's use of an app or website if the personal information collected is used strictly for educational purposes and not for any commercial purpose.  The Federal Trade Commission recommends that School Districts provide notice on its website identifying all of the apps and websites for which the LEA has provided consent on the student's behalf.  

What We Do

The Roxbury School District complies with CIPA as follows:

• District Policy 2361 Acceptable Use of Computer Networks/Computers and Resources - http://www.straussesmay.com/seportal/Public/DistrictPolicy.aspx?policyid=2361&search=internet+safety&id=60018ce02aeb4872b01343257b67f55d

• The Roxbury School District is committed to ensuring that the apps and websites we utilize are not using student personal information to market or sell.  Our Approved Apps and Websites page lists the apps and websites that we use for educational purposes.

Resources

Additional information on COPPA can be found at the following resources:

Federal Trade Commission - https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/privacy-and-security/children%27s-privacy