Short answer
A CIPA Internet safety policy must cover access by minors to inappropriate material, minors' safety in email, chat and other direct communications, unauthorized access including hacking, unauthorized disclosure of minors' personal information, and measures to restrict harmful material, plus education on online behavior and cyberbullying. Adopt it after public notice and at least one public meeting.
How to use this template
Replace [School Name] with your school's name, adjust anything that doesn't fit, and have your board or governing body adopt it at a meeting with reasonable public notice. Keep the agenda and minutes with your E-Rate records. This template isn't legal advice: have your counsel or diocese review it if you can.
[School Name] Internet Safety Policy
Purpose. It is the policy of [School Name] to (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via internet, email or other forms of direct electronic communication; (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 U.S.C. § 254(h)).
Access to inappropriate material. To the extent practical, technology protection measures (internet filters) shall be used to block or filter internet access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by CIPA, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults, or minimized only for bona 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 [School Name] online network when using email, chat rooms, instant messaging and other forms of direct electronic communications. Specifically, as required by CIPA, 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.
Education, supervision and monitoring. It shall be the responsibility of all members of the [School Name] staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the internet in accordance with this policy and CIPA. Procedures for disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of [Title, e.g. Technology Director] or designated representatives.
Online safety education. [Title] or designated representatives will provide age-appropriate training for students who use [School Name]'s internet facilities. The training will cover (a) the standards and acceptable use of internet services in this policy; (b) student safety with regard to safety on the internet, appropriate behavior while online, including on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response; and (c) compliance with the E-Rate requirements of CIPA.
Adoption. This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the [Board name] at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on [Date].
After you adopt it
- Keep the policy, the meeting notice, the agenda and the minutes on file.
- Print your CIPA filtering report from the dashboard each funding year, as a record that your filter is working. See CIPA compliance.
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Do we need a new public meeting every year?
No. The public meeting is needed when the policy is first adopted. Keep the records, and review the policy when your technology changes.
Can we combine this with our acceptable use policy?
Yes, many schools do, as long as every element above is covered.