IJNDB Student Computer and Internet Use
STUDENT COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE AND INTERNET SAFETY
Regional School Unit 1 computers, network, and Internet access are provided to support the educational mission of the schools and to enhance the curriculum and learning opportunities for students and school staff. This policy and the accompanying rules also apply to laptops, I-pads, tablets, and other school devices issued directly to students, whether they are used at school or off school premises.
Compliance with the school unit’s policies and rules concerning computer and Internet use is mandatory. Students who violate these policies and rules may have their computer privileges limited, suspended, or revoked. The building administrator is authorized to determine, after considering the circumstances involved, whether and for how long a student’s computer privileges will be altered. The building administrator’s decision shall be final.
Violations of this policy and Regional School Unit 1’s computer and Internet rules may also result in disciplinary action, referral to law enforcement, and/or legal action.
Regional School Unit 1 computers remain under the control, custody, and supervision of the school unit at all times. The school unit monitors all computer and Internet activity by students. Students should have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers, and the use of personal computing devices on school networks whether they are used on or off school property or elsewhere.
INTERNET SAFETY
Regional School Unit 1 uses filtering technology designed to block materials that are obscene or harmful to minors, and child pornography. Although Regional School Unit 1 takes precautions to supervise and monitor student use of the Internet, parents should be aware that Regional School Unit 1 cannot reasonably prevent all instances of inappropriate computer and Internet use by students in violation of Board policies and rules, including access to objectionable materials and communication with persons outside of the school. The school unit is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information that students obtain through the Internet.
In the interest of student Internet safety, Regional School Unit 1 also educates students about online behavior, including interacting with other people on social networking sites and in chat rooms, the dangers of engaging in “hacking” and other unlawful online activities, and issues surrounding “sexting” and cyberbullying awareness and response.
The Superintendent/designee shall be responsible for integrating age-appropriate Internet safety training and “digital citizenship” into the curriculum and for documentation of Internet safety training.
IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY AND “ACCEPTABLE USE” RULES
The Superintendent/designee shall be responsible for implementation of this policy and the accompanying “acceptable use” rules. Superintendent/designee may implement additional administrative procedures or school rules consistent with Board policy to govern Internet access and the day-to-day management, security, and operations of the school unit’s computer and network system and to prevent the unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors.
Students and parents shall be informed of this policy and the accompanying rules through student handbooks, the school website, and/or other means selected by the Superintendent.
Legal Reference: 20 USC § 677 (Enhancing Education through Technology Act) 47 USC § 254(h)(5) (Children’s Internet Protection Act) 47 CFR § 54.52 (Children’s Internet Protection Act Certifications) Federal Communications Commission Order and Report 11-125, (August 10, 2011)
Cross Reference: EGAD/EGAD-R - Copyright Compliance GCSA/GCSA-R - Employee Computer and Internet Use IJNDB-R - Student Computer and Internet Use Rules JFCK – Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices at School JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety JICK – Bullying GBEB – Staff Conduct with Students
Adopted: March 16, 2009 Revised: November 26, 2012; March 25, 2024