Internet Safety Policy

Districts should already have an Internet Safety Policy that states that:

_X_ technology protection measures are in place and are used for all Internet access and

_X_ monitoring of Internet usage for minors and adults is policy.

There is now a new requirement stating that as of July 1, 2012 your district Internet Safety Policy must also include wording that:

_X_ the district has a provision/plan for the education of minors* about “appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response.”

*CIPA defines a minor as any person less than 17 years of age.

You must also have:

_X_ documented proof of a public meeting where your CIPA policy was included as an agenda item, and the announcement of such to the public (e.g. on web page or newspaper). Many schools did this in the past. If this was done in the past, there is no need for another public notice as long as you have documentation of that initial meeting in case of review. Just add the new provision according to your usual district procedures.

Students at the different grade levels are exposed to terms like “appropriate online behavior”, “interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms”, and “cyberbullying awareness and response”. Throughout the years students are exposed to new material as it is appropriate to cover and deal with during their educational years.