IJNDB - Student Computer and Internet Use Policy

Student Computer and Internet Use and Internet Safety

Acton School Department’s computers, network and Internet access are provided to support the educational mission of the school. This policy and the accompanying rules also apply to laptops, and mobile devices issued directly to students, whether in use at school or off school premises. Students are allowed to use privately-owned computers at school with prior authorization, provided that they comply with this policy and the accompanying rules.

Compliance with the school unit's policies and rules concerning computer use is mandatory. Students who violate these policies and rules may, after being given an opportunity to respond to an alleged violation, have their computer privileges limited, suspended or revoked. The building administrator shall have the final authority to decide whether a student’s computer privileges will be altered, based on the circumstances of the particular case. Such violations may also result in disciplinary action, referral to law enforcement and/or legal action.

Acton School Department computers remain under the control, custody and supervision of the school unit at all times. The school unit monitors all computer and Internet activity by students. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers, whether they are used on or off school property.

The Acton School Department utilizes filtering technology designed to block materials that are obscene or harmful to minors, and child pornography. Acton School Department takes precautions to supervise student use of the Internet and electronic communications, and to prevent the unlawful disclosure, use or dissemination of personally identifiable information about students. Acton School Department educates students about safety on the Internet, appropriate online behavior and cyberbullying awareness and response, but parents should be aware that the Acton School Department cannot reasonably prevent all instances of inappropriate computer use by students that may violate School Committee policies and rules, including access to objectionable materials and communications.The Superintendent/Principal or his/her designee is responsible for implementing this policy and the accompanying rules. Additional administrative procedures or school rules governing the day-to-day management and operations of the school unit’s computer system may be implemented by the Superintendent/Principal, consistent with School Committee policies and rules.

Students and parents shall be informed of this policy and the accompanying rules through handbooks, the school web site and/or other means selected by the Superintendent/PrincipalSuperintendent.

Cross Reference:

EGAD - Copyright Compliance

GCSA - Employee Computer and Internet Use

IJNDB-R - Student Computer and Internet Use Rules

Legal Reference:

20 USC § 677 (Enhancing Education

through Technology Act)

47 USC § 254(h)(5) (Children’s Internet Protection Act)

47 CFR § 54.52

(Children’s Internet Protection Act Certifications)

Federal Communications Commission Order and Report 11 - 125, (August 10, 2011)

Adopted:   February 11, 1997

Revised:   December 12, 2023