Book: Policy Manual

Section: Section 400 - Support Services

Title: INTERNET SAFETY POLICY

Code: 414

Status: Active

Adopted: February 27, 2024

1.  [ “District” refers to Iron County School District; “School” refers to any legal school that is currently part of the District ]  [ “Principal” refers to the head or assistant principal at any School; “Administrator” refers to a District-level authority  ] [ “User”  refers to a District Student, District Employee, or Guest seeking access to the District network/internet] [ “CIPA” is the federal  Children’s Internet Protection Policy (2004); “UETN” is the Utah Education & Telehealth Network ] [ “E-Rate” is the federal program providing discounts for network equipment and services purchased by the District   ]

2.  The Iron County School District provides internet accessibility, at no cost, to Users and in accordance with the District’s mission to provide open access to online informational resources, educational services, and shared activities and ideas.

3.  The District applies for (and receives), annually, federal assistance through E-Rate, to aid in purchases associated with costly network equipment and services. CIPA compliance is a necessary and qualifying requirement; UETN is the provider of the state’s  education network and is the state entity working with the District to ensure full CIPA Compliance is met.

4.  In accordance with CIPA, all District-provided technology devices, and all personal wireless devices that utilize the District  network are secured through Technology Protection Measures in the form of firewall and centralized filtering appliances. This filtering appliance is set to screen out sites which may reasonably be construed as obscene or inappropriate (as that term is defined in Section 1460 of Title 18, United States Code); or child pornography (as that term is defined in Section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code);  and/or could be harmful to minors (as defined in Section 1703, Pub. L. 106-544).

5.  The District may monitor the online activities of Users through direct observation or through technological means in situations when a School, the District, or a law enforcement agency investigation is underway, as required by law.

6.  This District Board Policy for Internet Safety (ISP) also prohibits harassment, bullying, retaliation, discrimination, and other conduct  that creates a hostile working or educational environment for a User. This prohibition extends to the use of District technology resources.  If a User should ever feel they are being harassed, bullied, retaliated or discriminated against, or otherwise subjected to illegal or inappropriate  conduct through the District network, the User shall immediately report this activity to a Principal, Administrator, or School Resource Officer  (SRO), where corrective action shall be pursued.

7.  The District has very limited control over the information obtained through the internet that has NOT passed through the District firewall  and security filters. The District cannot be held responsible for its content or accuracy. It may contain materials which some find offensive or  inappropriate. All Users may access the internet at their own discretion.

8.  Users should also be aware that the internet, by itself, is not a secure medium. It is possible for third parties to obtain information regarding  an individual User’s search of activities. Users should be very cautious when providing personal information to any requesting entity over the internet.

9.  Parent-Guardian Control over [Student] Internet Access at School

9.1.  As with any technology resource, restriction of a child's use of the internet is ultimately the responsibility of the parent, within the confines of the law. Parents who have objections to the internet or other network-delivered services may assume responsibility for imposing restrictions on  their children attending school at the District. Any parent or legal guardian wishing to restrict his/her child’s access to such services must provide  this request, in writing, to the Principal. (Principals shall advise parents of the process and potential impact involved when an internet restriction is imposed.)

10.  Principal-Administrator Control over [User] Internet Access at School

10.1.  Principals and Administrators have the authority and an obligation to take appropriate action when Users of the internet are not adhering to internet access responsible practices. For Students, this may result in limited access to only the programs essential for learning. For all Users, this may result in either short or long-term restrictive internet access.

11.  Consequences of User Irresponsibility on the Internet

11.1.  The District assumes no responsibility for damages, direct or indirect, for the use of the internet. This includes, but is not  limited to, damage to either District or personally-owned devices caused by malware-laden material downloaded from any internet  site. Where possible, Users are encouraged to obtain and install Virus/Malware protection on “personal” devices that are expected  to utilize District or School internet/network services. Unless pre-authorized, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are NOT permitted on  the District network. Any damages will be assessed with User consequences considered.