Internet Safety Policy

INTRODUCTION

It is the policy of the San Gabriel Valley ROP (“The ROP”) 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 (“CIPA”) [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC § 254(h)]. It is the goal of this policy not only to prevent and protect, but to educate employees, students, and parents in Internet safety. The CIPA guidelines for an Internet Safety Policy have also been incorporated by the ROP into its Acceptable Use Agreement.

The Children’s Internet Protection Act, enacted December 21, 2000, requires recipients of federal technology funds to comply with certain Internet filtering and policy requirements. Schools and libraries receiving funds for Internet access and/or internal connection services must also meet the Internet safety policies of the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act that addresses the broader issues of electronic messaging, disclosure of personal information of minors, and unlawful online activities.

This policy is intended to be read together with the ROP’s Acceptable Use Policies for Technology and Net Use Agreement. All limitations and penalties set forth in the Acceptable Use Policies are deemed to be incorporated into this policy. Terms used in this policy which also appear in the Children’s Internet Protection Act have the meanings defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF CIPA:

Technology Protection Measures

A Technology Protection Measure is a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access. It must protect against access by adults and minors to visual depictions that are obscene, involve child pornography, or are harmful to minors. In addition to the filtering system that is incorporated with the Internet service, the ROP subscribes to a content filtering system, on all computers that access the Internet, which is compliant with CIPA and NCIPA.

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, and access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual and textual 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 bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Any attempt to bypass, defeat or circumvent the Technology Prevention Measures is punishable as a violation of this policy and of the Acceptable Use Policies.

Inappropriate Network Usage

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the San Gabriel Valley ROP online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, blogging, instant messaging, online discussions and other forms of direct electronic communications. Without limiting the foregoing, access to such means of communication is strictly limited by the Acceptable Use Policies.

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 professional employees (pedagogical and administrative staff) of the East San Gabriel Valley ROP/TC to supervise and monitor usage of the School District’s computers, computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Acceptable Use Policies, and the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the district or designated representatives.

Education

San Gabriel Valley ROP/TC will advocate and educate employees, students, and parents on Internet safety and “cyber-bullying.” Education will be provided through such means as professional development training and materials to employees, classroom lessons and handouts, access to resources and information on Internet safety, and community outreach opportunities through the ROP website.

Cyber-bullying

The Acceptable Use Policies include provisions intended to prohibit and establish penalties for inappropriate and oppressive conduct, including cyber-bullying.

ROP is a place of tolerance and good manners. Students may not use the network or any ROP computer facilities for hate mail, defamatory statements, statements intended to injure or humiliate others by disclosure of personal information (whether true or false), personal attacks on others, and statements expressing animus towards any person or group by reason of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Network users may not use vulgar, derogatory, or obscene language.

Network users may not post anonymous messages or forge e-mail or other messages.

Furthermore, School District computers and network facilities may not be used for any activity, or to transmit any material, that violates United States, California State or local laws. This includes, but is not limited to any threat or act of intimidation or harassment against another person.

CIPA

The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) (20 U.S.C. 6801) requires schools to have technology protection measures in place that block or filter Internet content and a safety policy addressing the behavior of minors when using the Internet. (Additional information is available at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cipa.html)

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. 1232) protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA gives parents and students specific rights concerning the disclosure of education records. (Additional information about FERPA is available at http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html)

On-Line Resources
  • Yahoo! Safely – Learn how to make smart and safer choices online and get advice on using Yahoo! and other products safely.
  • Common Sense – Reviews and ratings for movies, television, video games, music CDs, books, and websites. Common Sense Media helps parents choose what is appropriate for kids.
  • http://www.getnetwise.org A public service brought by Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations to help ensure that Internet users have safe, constructive, and educational or entertaining online experiences. The GetNetWise coalition wants Internet users to be just one click away from the resources they need to make informed decisions about their and their family’s use of the Internet.
  • http://www.wiredsafety.org Internet safety, help and education resource.
  • http://www.childnet-int.org A non-profit organization working with others to “help make the Internet a great and safe place for children.”
  • http://www.staysafeonline.info Sponsored by the National Cyber Security Alliance. Through collaboration with the government, corporate, non-profit and academic sectors, the mission of the NCSA is to create a culture of cyber security and safety awareness by providing the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent cyber crime and attacks.
  • Websites for parents, teens, and experts to discuss safe use of resources on the Web.

These sites are operated by journalist Larry Magid.

o    http://www.connectsafely.org o       http://www.safekids.com o       http://www.safeteens.com

Bullying/Cyberbullying
  • org – The website provides links to specific target audiences (youth, parents

& caregivers, educators, and health and mental health providers) with strategies for

intervening with bullying. Other links list evidence-based programs, effective strategies, cautions of what not to do, bullying research, and federal data on bullying. The website includes YouTube presentations on bullying by President Obama, Health and Human Services Secretary Sibelius, and Secretary of State Clinton.

  • Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use – This website provides curricula, articles and reports guidancing schools responding to cyberbullying and other inappropriate uses of technology. It also presents strategies for addressing cyberbullying, cyberthreats, and other inappropriate uses of technology.
  • Parent’s Guide to Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats – This fourteen page downloadable document provides information for parents to understand cyberbullying and cyberthreats, strategies for preventing their children’s involvement, and measures to take to intervene with their children’s victimization.
  • Cyberbully NOT: Student’s Guide to Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats – This six page downloadable document targets school-aged children and youth to prevent cyberbullying and provides strategies for appropriately responding to cyberbullying.
  • NetCetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online – This fifty-four page downloadable document, developed through a collaboration of twelve federal agencies, provides pointby-point descriptions of inappropriate internet use and strategies to counteract the impact.
  • Teen Online & Wireless Safety Survey – This website, sponsored by Cox Communications, provides data from a nationwide survey of students aged thirteen through eighteen. The fifty-nine page report provides detailed findings related to technology use, cyberbullying, other inappropriate uses of technology and parental controls.
  • iKeepSafe This website is designed by a coalition of government, public health, education, law enforcement and technology industry professionals who provide information and tools for the safe and healthy use of the Internet and other technologies.
  • us – This website provides factsheets, video instruction, news bulletins, and other resources to reduce cyberbullying.
  • i SAFE is a non-profit foundation that incorporates classroom curriculum with community outreach to empower students, parents, educators, and law enforcement to make the Internet safer.
  • OnGuard Online – This website provides practical information from the federal government and the technology industry to help prevent internet fraud, secure computers and protect personal information.
  • 2010 State K-12 Cyberethics, Cybersafety, and Cybersecurity Curriculum in the U.S. Survey – This survey of school administrators, technology coordinators and teachers gauges the degree to which students receive adequate instruction in the safe, secure, and responsible use of cyberspace.
  • From the Anti-Defamation League:
    • http://www.adl.org/education/cyberbullying
    • http://www.adl.org/education/curriculum_connections/cyberbullying/
Curricula and Print Resources
  • Hinduja, Sameer and Patchin, Justin. 2008. Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Kowalski, R.M., Limber, S.P., and Agatston, P.W. 2008. Cyber Bullying: Bullying in the Digital Age. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated.

  • Media Awareness Network. Classroom Resources to Counter Cyber Bullying, Lessons on Cyber Bullying for Grades 5-12.

http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/resources/educational/lessons/cyberbullying.cfm

  • National School Board Association and Cybersmart. Cyberbullying Package.

http://cybersmartcurriculum.org/cyberbullying/NSBA.

  • Seattle Public Schools Prevention-Intervention Services. Middle School Cyberbullying Curriculum.   http://www.seattleschools.org/area/prevention/cbms.html.
  • Shariff, Shaheen. 2009. Confronting Cyber-Bullying: What Schools Need to Know to Control Misconduct and Avoid Legal Consequences. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • Willard, Nancy. 2007. CyberbullyNOT: Student Guide to Cyberbullying. Eugene: Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use.

http://cyberbully.org/cyberbully/docs/cbstudentguide.pdf.

  • Willard, Nancy. 2007. An Educator’s Guide to Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats. Eugene:

Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use.

http://cyberbully.org/cyberbully/docs/cbcteducator.pdf.

  • Willard, Nancy. 2007. Parent Guide to Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats. Eugene: Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use. http://cyberbully.org/cyberbully/docs/cbctparents.pdf.
Children’s Books
  • Allman, Toney. 2009. Mean Behind the Screen: What You Need to Know About Cyberbullying. Mankato, MN: Compass Point Books. (48 pages; ages 10-14.)
  • Friedman, Lauri S. 2010. Cyberbullying (Introducing Issues With Opposing Viewpoints). Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press. (144 pages; ages 12 & up.)
  • Jacobs, Thomas A. 2010. Teen Cyberbullying Investigated. Minneapolis: Free Spirit Publishing,Inc. (208 pages; ages 12 & up.)
  • Cyberbullying: Understanding and Addressing Online Cruelty ©Anti-Defamation League 2010 page 2
  • Maceachern, Robyn. 2009. Cyberbullying: Deal with It and Ctrl Alt Delete It. Halifax, NS: Lorimer, James & Company, Limited. (32 pages; ages 12 & up).
Video and DVD Resources
  • Clicking with Caution. Reel Works Teen Filmmaking, 2010.

www.nyc.gov/vod; http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycmg/nyctvod/html/home/cwc.html Created in partnership with the New York City Department of Education, the Mayor’s Office of the Criminal Justice Coordinator and Microsoft, this four-part Internet safety video created by youth for youth raises awareness of Internet risks and teaches preventive measures. Featuring introductions by Gossip Girl star Jessica Szohr, the DVD contains two narrative pieces and two documentaries that explore online sexual predators, cyberbullying, maintaining anonymity and online gaming.

Let s Fight it Together. 7 min. Childnet; Department for Children, Schools and Families,

  1. http://www.digizen.org/cyberbullying/fullFilm.aspx

This film, available via the Internet, was produced in the United Kingdom to help sensitize young people to the pain and hurt which can be caused by cyberbullying.

  • PRIMETIME: Cyberbullying – Cruel intentions. Howell, MI: ABC News, 2006 http://www.abcnewsstore.com and

http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/story?id=2421562&page=1

Diane Sawyer reports on how cell phones, digital cameras and personal Web sites combine in new ways that seems to encourage and amplify the meanness of teenage behavior.

  • Sexting in America: When Privates Go Public. 40 min., MTV, 2009 http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/483801/sexting-in-america-when-privates-go-publicpart-1.jhtml

This film explores the dangers of sexting and the repercussions for the people who electronically send and receive sexually explicit photos/videos. It depicts the stories of a girl who is harassed after her boyfriend shares explicit photos of her; and a boy who is charged with transmitting child pornography after forwarding nude photos of his girlfriend.

  • Sticks & Stones. 43 min. Chase Wilson, 2009 http://www.chasewilson.com/sticksandstones

Funded by the office of the Bergen County Prosecutor with money seized from criminals, this film stars actual high school students from NJ. It tells the story of a teen who is driven to suicide after a compromising picture he thought was private is sent out for everyone to see. The film is accompanied by a comprehensive Teacher s Guide.

  • Talent Show and Kitchen PSAs. 50 seconds each. National Crime Prevention Council, 2006   http://www.adl.org/education/curriculum_connections/cyberbullying

These public service announcements are part of the Cyberbullying: Don’t Write It. Don’t Forward It cyberbullying prevention campaign. They appeal to students to avoid saying anything online that they wouldn’t say in person.

Statistics & Research Studies
  • Cox Communications and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. 2009. Teen Online & Wireless Safety Survey: Cyberbullying, Sexting, and Parental Controls. http://www.cox.com/takecharge/safe_teens_2009/media/2009_teen_survey_internet_and _wireless_safety.pdf (accessed June 2010).
  • Cyberbullying: Understanding and Addressing Online Cruelty ©Anti-Defamation League 2010 page 3.
  • Juvonen, J. and Cross, E.F. 2008. Extending the School Grounds?- Bullying Experiences in Cyberspace. Journal of School Health 78: 496- 505.
  • Knowledge Networks. 2009. The MTV-Associated Press Poll/Digital Abuse Survey. http://www.athinline.org/MTV-AP_Digital_Abuse_Study_Full.pdf (accessed June 2010).
  • Lenhart, Amanda. 2009. Teens and Sexting. Pew Internet & American Life Project. http://www.pewinternet.org/~/media//Files/Reports/2009/PIP_Teens_and_Sexting.pdf (accessed June 2010).

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl.com.

  1. Sex and Tech: Results from a Survey of Teens and Young Adults.

http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/sextech/pdf/sextech_summary.pdf (accessed June 2010).

  • Patchin, Justin W. and Hinduja, Sameer. 2009. Cyberbullying and Suicide. Cyberbullying Research Center. http://www.cyberbullying.us/cyberbullying_and_suicide_research_fact_sheet.pdf (accessed June 2010).
  • Wang J., Lannotti, R.J. and Nansel, T.R. 2009. School Bullying Among Adolescents in the United States: Physical, Verbal, Relational, and Cyber. Journal of Adolescent Health 45(4):368-75.
Online Resources: Websites on Cyberbullying and Online Safety
  • Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use www.csriu.org; http://www.cyberbully.org Provides effective strategies to assist young people in developing the skills to behave in a safe, responsible and legal manner when using the Internet.
  • us     www.cyberbullying.us

Explores the causes and consequences of online harassment; includes fact sheets and resource lists.

  • Cybersmart! http://www.cybersmart.org

Provides online professional development and free curricular resources on cyber safety, Internet ethics, creativity and critical thinking.

  • iKeepSafe         http//:wwwikeepsafe.org

The Internet Keep Safe Coalition is a partnership of government, public health, education, law enforcement and industry professionals that provide information and tools for the safe and healthy use of technology and the Internet.

  • i-SAFE         www.isafe.org

A non-profit foundation that incorporates classroom curriculum with community outreach to empower students, teachers, parents, and law enforcement to make the Internet a safer place.

  • National Crime Prevention Council’s Cyberbullying Pages http://www.ncpc.org/topics/by-audience/parents/bullying/cyberbullying; http://www.ncpc.org/topics/cyberbullying

Dedicated to keeping children, families and communities safe from crime, NCPC offers research, information , tips and public service announcements on cyberbullying.

  • NetSmartz http://www.netsmartz.org

Run by The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, this site offers information and resources on Internet Safety for educators, parents/guardians, teens, younger children and law enforcement.

  • Stop Bullying Now! Information, Prevention, Tips and Games www.stopbullyingnow.org

Provides resources and tools as part of the Take a Stand, Lend a Hand, Stop Bullying Now campaign.

  • Wired Kids, Inc. www.wiredkids.com

Dedicated to protecting all Internet users from cybercrime and abuse, and teaching responsible Internet use. It operates several programs and Web sites, including Cyberlawenforcement.org, InternetSuperHeroes.org, NetBullies.com, Teenangels.org, WiredKids.com, WiredKids.org and WiredSafety.org.

Internet Safety Basics
  • The Internet and its Risks
Cyberbullying
  • Let’s Fight It Together (Joe’s Story)
  • Illuminate Cyberbullying
Think Before You Post
  • Everyone – Anything you post online, anyone can see…
  • Internet Photos – Once you post your image online, you can’t take it back. Anyone can see it… CommonSense Media
  • COMPUTER VIRUS

Viruses show us how vulnerable we are — a properly engineered virus can have a devastating effect, disrupting productivity and doing enormous amount of dollars in damages. In addition to anti-virus software, viruses can be avoided by practicing safe computing behavior (Document: 6 Rules for Safe Computing)

  • CYBERBULLYING

Bullying such as repeated threats, insults or put-downs that occurs over the Internet

(email, instant message, or text message. (Video)

  • CYBERHARRASMENT (Predators and Strangers)

Harassment over the Internet that involves an adult.? This type of aggressive online communication may involve a child and an adult, or an adult and another adult. (Video)

  • IDENTITY THEFT
    • serious crime that occurs when one’s personal information is stolen and used without permission for the purposes of committing fraud and other crimes. (Video)
  • ONLINE GROOMING
    • deliberate action taken by an adult to befriend and establish an emotional connection with a child by giving compliments, gift , etc. The goal is to gain the child’s trust and lower his/her inhibitions. (Video)
  • PHISHING

An attempt to acquire personal information (such as usernames, passwords, etc.) from unsuspecting users by pretending to be a trustworthy site. For additional information and videos, please visit wiredsafety.org.

Tips for Staying Safe Online For Students
  • Visit web sites that you know are safe.
  • Do not provide personal information.
  • Do not communicate with strangers.
  • Do not share your password. Create and use passwords that are easy to remember but hard to guess.
  • Do not post pictures of yourself online and be cautious of what information is posted online.
  • Do not click on “pop-ups.”
  • Tell an adult if you experience cyberbullying. Be honest.

For Parents

  • Teach your children to come to you if anything makes them feel uncomfortable.
  • STAY INFORMED – Know what’s going on online.
  • KEEP PERSONAL INFORMATION PRIVATE – Never give out personal information online. Kids should not give their address, phone number, name, age, school name, etc., to a stranger on the phone, nor should they give it online.
  • USE PARENTAL CONTROL TOOLS AS APPROPRIATE – There are several software solutions to keep kids out of web sites with inappropriate content.
You Should Also Know About
  • Spokeo
  • A picture is worth 2,000 words
  • Top 50 Acronyms Every Parent Needs to Know
  • Online Safety Kit (Dateline NBC)