The following rules and regulations implement the Internet Safety policy adopted by the Board to make safe for children the use of District computers for access to the Internet.
Definitions
In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act,
Child pornography refers to any visual depiction, including any photograph, film, video, picture or computer or computer generated image or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical, or other means, of sexually explicit conduct, where the production of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. It also includes any such visual depiction that (a) is, or appears to be, of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; or (b) has been created, adapted or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in sexually explicit conduct; or (c) is advertised, promoted, presented, described, or distributed in such a manner than conveys the impression that the material is or contains a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Harmful to minors means 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 literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
Blocking and Filtering Measures
The Superintendent or designee shall secure information about, and ensure the purchase or provision of, a technology protection measure that blocks access from all District technology to visual depictions on the Internet that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.
The District’s Director of Technology shall be responsible for ensuring the installation and proper use of any Internet blocking and filtering technology protection measure obtained by the District.
The Director of Technology or designee may modify the District’s Internet blocking and filtering technology measure only for specific users conducting research related to the discharge of their official responsibilities.
The Director of Technology or designee shall monitor the online activities of all users for whom the blocking and filtering technology measure has been disabled or relaxed to ensure there is no access to visual depictions that are obscene or child pornography and/or are harmful to minors.
Monitoring of Online Activities
The District’s Director of Technology or designee shall be responsible for monitoring to ensure that the online activities of staff and students are consistent with the District’s Internet Safety policy and this regulation. They may inspect, copy, review, and store at any time, and without prior notice, any and all usage of the District’s technology for accessing the Internet and direct electronic communications, as well as any and all information transmitted or received during such use. All users of the District’s technology shall have no expectation of privacy regarding any such materials.
Except as otherwise authorized under the District’s Responsible Use for Technology policy, students may use the District’s computer network to access the Internet primarily during instruction time. Staff supervising students using District technology shall help to monitor student online activities to ensure students access the Internet and/or participate in authorized forms of direct electronic communications in accordance with the District’s Internet Safety policy and this regulation.
The District’s Director of Technology or designee shall monitor student online activities to ensure students are not engaging in hacking (gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to other computers or computer systems), and other unlawful activities.
Training
The Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction or designee will ensure that training is provided to staff and students on the requirements of the Internet Safety policy and this regulation at the beginning of each school year.
The training of staff and students will highlight the various activities prohibited by the Internet Safety policy, and the responsibility of staff to monitor student online activities to ensure compliance therewith.
The training of students will include, but not be limited to, positive interactions with others online, including online social networking sites and in chat rooms; proper online social etiquette; protection from online predators and personal safety; and how to recognize and respond to cyberbullying and other threats. Students shall be directed to consult with a teacher, guidance counselor, or building administrator, if they are unsure whether their contemplated activities when accessing the Internet are directly related to permissible activities.
Users will not disclose, use, and disseminate personal information about students or other individuals when accessing the internet or engaging in authorized forms of direct electronic communications.
Users will also be informed of the range of possible consequences attendant to a violation of the Internet Safety policy and this regulation.
Reporting of Violations
Violations of the Internet Safety policy and this regulation by students and staff must be reported to the Principal and/or Administrator.
The Principal and/or Administrator will take prompt and appropriate corrective action in accordance with authorized disciplinary procedures.
Penalties may include, but are not limited to, the suspension or revocation of computer access privileges, as well as school suspension, in the case of students.
Penalties may include, but are not limited to, disciplinary action in accordance with law and applicable collectively negotiated agreements, in the case of employees.
Adoption date: February 22, 2010
First Reading Revised: May 7, 2012
Second Reading and Adoption: May 21, 2012
Amended date: November 6, 2023