Safety on the Net

Dear Parents and Guardians:

There is no denying that the Internet is a strong force in today’s world. Our school is embracing this aspect of technology while realizing the tempting situations it offers to teenagers. To keep our students focused while online, we have restricted access to certain sites through a software program. This software helps block out inappropriate sites students may encounter while surfing the web. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate the Internet in class work assignments, but are instructed to guide students to suitable sites through Web Quests or suggested/sample web sites.

A full time staff member who consistently monitors students’ activities online mans our Writing Center. She clearly has rules, which must be obeyed, or the student will automatically lose Internet privileges. Teachers are continuously updated on Internet laws and programs in order to make using the Internet safe and beneficial to all students. However, parents are liable for students’ misuse of computers at school such as malice, recklessness, or negligence.

The government also recognizes the importance of safe Internet surfing. Two acts have been established in order to help make surfing safe for all. The 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) was enacted on April 20, 2001 and helps protect children and parents from intrusion from Internet users. The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) enacted on April 20, 2001, is a Federal bill that provides federal funding for libraries to install technology software that will block or filter harmful materials from computers such as pornography. More and more acts are being funded in order to help make Internet use safe and helpful for students, parents, and teachers. Many non-profit organizations have made it their charge to fight on behalf of children’s safety on the Internet. Please visit the following sites to learn more about web safety:

Symantec Child Safety Education Site - http://www.symantec.com/securitycheck/childsafety.html

Cyber Angels - http://www.cyberangels.com.

If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to call the school and speak to your student’s classroom teacher or school librarian. Below is a policy students need to read carefully and follow in order for them to participate in any school computer activity. Our thanks to Symantec Child Safety Education for the basis of this policy. Your continued support in making your student’s Internet experience safe and enjoyable is appreciated.

I, ________________________________________, the student, agree to the following rules for using computers and the Internet at school:

1) Use of the school Internet is a privilege not a right. If I abuse that privilege I expect to lose it.

2) I will use the school Internet for the purpose of education, and for researching approved school assignments only.

3) I will not give out private identifying information online to anyone, including my full name, address, telephone number, and school name.

4) I recognize the following as unacceptable use of the Internet at school:

Using the Internet to:

Commit crimes
Bully and harass others
Commit copyright violations, such as illegal copying of music files, images or software
Transmit obscene or threatening communications
Communicate or publish inaccurate, defamatory or racially offensive materials
Invade someone else's private computer files
Impersonate others
Play electronic games unless authorized by a teacher
By-pass any school imposed restrictions on access to the World

Name of student: _____________________________________________________

Signature of student: __________________________________________________/Date__________

Name of parent or guardian: _____________________________________________

Signature of parent or guardian: _________________________________________/Date __________

Signature of Teacher: ________________________________________________/Date ___________