Internet Acceptable Use Policy

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The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires schools to establish Internet Safety guidelines for the appropriate use of computer networks. Such guidelines are generally called an Acceptable Use Policy, or AUP. An AUP is a written agreement signed by students, their parents and their teachers.

An Internet Acceptable Use Policy outlines the terms and conditions of Internet use, rules of online behavior, access privileges and penalties for violations of the policy. Anyone using the school's Internet connections should be required to sign the Acceptable Use Policy. Schools should consult their attorney for legal guidance in drafting an Acceptable Use Policy.

An Internet AUP should contain the following:

• Introduction
  • Detail the reasons for the policy and what the policy covers.
     
• Definitions
  • Define key words like computer network, Internet, Email, chat rooms that are used in the policy. 
  • Define all ambiguous terms like personal contact information, personal safety or inappropriate material.
     
• Policy Statement should include
  • How students will be accessing the Internet.
  • How the Internet will be used in the classroom.
  • How you will restrict access to inappropriate and harmful materials. 
  • Online etiquette
  • Address privacy policy
  • Liability disclaimer
  • Include a reminder that Internet use is a privilege and not a right. 
     
• Acceptable Uses
  • specific examples of acceptable uses.
     
• Unacceptable Uses
  • specific examples of unacceptable uses
     
• Violation Consequences
  • specific examples of punishment that a student can expect for violating an unacceptable use.
     
• Permission Forms
   

Next Section - Acceptable Use Policy - Introduction