Internet Safety

Need to know pages:

• for Students
• for Parents, Grandparents, and Caregivers
• for Teachers, School-Based Technology Specialists, Library Media Specialists, Counselors, and Resource Officers
• for School Administrators
• for School Boards

Web-Based Resources on Internet Safety

Glossary of Terms

i-SAFE FCPS Site

From the Virginia Department of Education Guidelines and Resources for Internet Safety in Schools

School administrators should play key roles in developing and implementing a division policy that protects children on the Internet. They ultimately must enforce the division’s acceptable use policy and Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel (TSIP) and understand the information needs of all stakeholders: teachers, instructional technology resource teachers, technology personnel, library media specialists, counselors, principals, resource officers, parents, local law enforcement agencies, and civic organizations.

Administrators must oversee all aspects of the Internet safety program.

• Review annually the division’s technology infrastructure with appropriate technology staff, making improvements as needed.
• Monitor the quality and effectiveness of Internet safety information presented to the respective stakeholder groups.
• Incorporate Internet safety into the division’s professional development plans and community outreach programs.
• Schedule continuing professional development to keep educators aware of the most recent Internet safety developments.

The Internet is invaluable, educationally and administratively; however, as with all tools, it can be misused and dangerous. In addition, the Internet constantly changes.

• Administrators should understand the Internet’s educational advantages and how it is used throughout the division.
• Administrators must understand the potential risks of using the (1) Internet for instruction and (2) technology networks for data collection, storage, and communication.
• Administrators should stay up-to-date with new developments in capabilities, vulnerabilities, and legal issues related to the Internet and school responsibilities.
• Schools should appoint a staff member—a security officer or other appropriate person—to make sure this policy is implemented.

As with any system, the division must have clear and effective policies and procedures in place to protect students and help prevent misuse of the system. In addition, policies and procedures must be in place for crisis management.

• A systematic review of policies and procedures needs to be carried out at least yearly.
• Since risks cannot be completely eliminated, the division should be prepared to handle a crisis.
• Filters are helpful but not fail proof. As students become more experienced, they may use circumventor sites to get around filtering software controls.
• Funding for security and safety technology should be anticipated and planned.

Communication among all stakeholders is imperative for safety and security
policies to be effective. Although a school’s legal responsibility does not
extend to home Internet use, school leaders can help prevent tragic situations
by ensuring parents and students are well-informed.

• Administrators should inform parents regularly about new Internet safety information.
• Students and parents must know the policies and the consequences associated with violations.
• Professional development on Internet safety must be a high priority.
• Funding needs to be budgeted regularly for better communication and training, which must be evaluated for its effectiveness.
• The acceptable use policy’s Internet safety component should clearly emphasize that protecting children is a high priority.