Introduction
It is the policy of Burlington Community School District (hereinafter called the “BCSD”) to:
a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications;
b) prevent unauthorized access and other 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)].
Definitions
Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).*
Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.
Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bon a fide research or other lawful purposes.
Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the BCSD online 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
b) Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
Penalties for Improper Use
Failure to adhere to network policies and rules may subject users to warnings, usage restrictions, disciplinary actions, or legal proceedings.
Education, Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all employees of BCSD to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.
Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Supervisor of Technology Services or designated representatives.
BCSD employed teachers will provide age-appropriate training for students who use Internet connected computers in BCSD classrooms. The training provided will be designed to promote the district’s commitment to:
a) The standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in the agency’s Internet Safety Policy;
b) Student safety with regard to:
a. safety on the Internet;
b. appropriate behavior while online, on social networking Web sites, and i chat rooms; and
c. cyber bullying awareness and response.
c) Compliance with the E-rate requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”).
Following receipt of this training, the student will acknowledge that he/she received the training, understood it, and will follow the provisions of BCSD’s acceptable use policies.
*CIPA definitions of the terms:
Technology Protection Measure
The term “technology protection measure” means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:
a) Obscene, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code
b) Child Pornography, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code;
c) Harmful to minors.
Harmful to Minors
The term “harmful to minors” means any 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.
Sexual Act; Sexual Contact
The terms “sexual act” and “sexual contact” have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States.
- First Adoption:
- 2012-05-21
- Reviewed Dates:
- April 9, 2017/ May 8, 2022
- Legal Reference:
- Iowa Code § 273.3 (2007)