Purpose: The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about children’s access to obscene or harmful content over the Internet. Schools and libraries subject to CIPA are required to adopt and implement an Internet safety policy addressing:

1. access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet;
2. the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications;
3. unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities by minors online;
4. unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and
5. measures restricting minors’ access to materials harmful to them.

For more information on the CIPA guidelines you may visit this link: http://www.fcc.gov/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act