It is the policy of the North Colonie Central School District 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 (Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h).)
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 block access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual 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.
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the North Colonie Central Schools online computer network and to prevent inappropriate network usage when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications. 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 disclosures, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the North Colonie Central Schools staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Procedures of the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Director of Information Technology or designated representatives.
As defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act:
Technology protection measure: the term technology protection measure means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:
- Obscene, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code;
- Child Pornography, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or
- Harmful to Minors. The term “harmful to minors” means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
a. Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex or excretion;
b. Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable to minors, and actual or simulated sexual act of sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
c. Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value as to minors - Sexual Act; Sexual contact. The terms “sexual act” and “sexual contact” have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.
Cyber-bullying
Cyber-bullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another student or staff member by way of any technological tool, such as sending or posting inappropriate or derogatory email messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or website postings (including blogs) which have the effect of:
- Physically, emotionally or mentally harming a student;
- Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical, emotional or mental harm;
- Placing a student in reasonable fear of damage to or loss of personal property; or
- Creating an intimidating or hostile environment that substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities.
Each staff member shall be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from cyber-bullying.
Each student shall be responsible to respect the rights of his/her fellow students and to ensure an atmosphere free from all forms of cyber-bullying.
Network users may not use vulgar, derogatory, or obscene language.
Network users may not post anonymous messages or forge e-mail or other messages.
Students shall be encouraged to report cyber-bullying complaints to any District staff member.
Any District staff member who receives a cyber-bullying complaint shall gather information or seek administrative assistance to determine if cyber-bullying has occurred. If the behavior is found to meet the definition of cyber-bullying, the building principal or his/her designee shall inform the parents or guardians of the victim and also the parents or guardians of the accused.
The commission of cyber-bullying shall subject the offending student to appropriate disciplinary action, consistent with the student discipline code, which may include, but is not limited to, suspension or notification to the appropriate authorities.
Policy Adopted: January 25, 2010