7310.1: Cyber Security Protection Measures: Content Filtering

I. Internet Technology Protection.    The District will provide technology protection measure as required by law.  Technology protection measures will filter sites containing visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, and/or with respect to technology use by minors, harmful to minors.

II. Definitions.

A. The term “technology protection measure” means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:

1. Obscene, as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. § 1460;

2. Child pornography, as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2256; or

3. Harmful to minors.

B. The term “harmful to minors” means any picture, image or graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:

1. Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;

2. 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

3. Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific values as to minors.

C. The term “minor” means an individual who has not attained the age of 17.

D. The term “sexual act” or “sexual contact” have the meanings given such terms in 18 U.S.C.  § 2246.

III. Disabling Internet Filtering.

A. Requests to disable or to bypass the technology protection measures shall be made to the Executive Director for Technology who shall review said requests and Internet sites to ensure that the content is not a violation of the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

B. The Superintendent or designee is authorized to disable the technology protection measures so as to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

IV. Internet Safety and Prevention of Inappropriate Use.  The District shall take all necessary and practical measures to prevent students from accessing inappropriate material online, to prevent unlawful and/or inappropriate use of the Internet and to promote safety and security while using the District’s online network.

A. The inappropriate use of the District’s online network is prohibited.

1. Inappropriate use includes: (a) unauthorized access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web; (b) unauthorized access, including so-called hacking and other unlawful activities; (c) the unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and (d) any activity that is prohibited by State or Federal law and by District policies.

B. To the extent practical, the District shall promote the safety and security of users of the District’s online computer network when using email or other forms of electronic communications.

C. The building principal, principal’s designee, or appropriate supervisor or teacher will be responsible for monitoring student usage of the Internet to ensure compliance with this and related District rules and policies.

D. The District will provide age-appropriate training for students who use the District’s network.  The training will be designed to promote the District’s commitment to:

1. The standards and acceptable use of Internet services set forth in this and related District rules and policies; and

2. Student safety with regard to safety on the Internet, appropriate behavior while online and cyberbullying awareness and response.

V. Privacy. While complying with the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act, all reasonable steps shall be taken to ensure that the use of the Internet shall not abridge the right of privacy of students or staff as provided by law including, but not limited to, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).