INTERNET SAFETY POLICY
It is the policy of Estherville Lincoln Central Community Schools to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmit or receive, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].
Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures shall be used to block access to inappropriate information on the Internet.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene/pornographic or any material deemed harmful to minors.
Protection measures may be disabled in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes and subject to staff supervision. Blocking for adult Internet usage can only be disabled for “bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practicable, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Estherville Lincoln Central Community School’s computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all staff members of Estherville Lincoln Central Community Schools to supervise and monitor usage of the computer network as well as access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and/or the Children’s Internet protection Act.
Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of Superintendent or designated representatives.
Adopted: 2/03 Reviewed: 10/06
6/18/2018
INTERNET USAGE
Because technology is a vital part of the Estherville Lincoln Central Community School District’s curriculum, the Internet will be made available to employees and students. Appropriate and equitable use of the Internet will allow employees and students to access resources unavailable through traditional means.
Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers. Individual students’ accounts and electronic mail addresses may be issued to students.
The Internet can provide a vast collection of educational resources for students and employees. It is a global network which makes it impossible to control all available information. Because information appears, disappears and changes constantly, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. The Estherville Lincoln Central Community School District makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet. Although students will be under teacher supervision while on the network, it is not possible to constantly monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network. Some students might encounter information that may not be of educational value. Student Internet records and access records are confidential records treated like other student records.
Employees and students will be instructed on the appropriate use of the Internet. A parent/guardian will be required to sign a permission form to allow their students to access the Internet. Students in grades 4-12 will sign a form acknowledging that they have read and understand the Internet Appropriate Use Regulation, that they will comply with the policy and regulation and understand the consequences for violation of the policy or regulation. K-3 students will have access through their teacher or adult supervisor. Access will be monitored and limited through the use of specialized software.
Approved: 10/11/97 Reviewed:
2/03
10/06
6/18/2018