Key takeaways
- Establish a consistent district approach to online safety, ensuring inclusivity and adaptability to meet the needs of the school community while complying with CIPA regulations.
- Foster clear channels of communication among students, parents, and the school community to facilitate reporting and addressing potential online safety threats effectively.
- Implement a transparent internet safety policy, addressing the dissemination, use, and disclosure of student information online, to uphold privacy and security standards while promoting responsible online behavior.
With more students than ever gaining access to online learning platforms, school districts receiving E-rate funding now are required to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act, or CIPA, mandating they monitor how students are using the Internet. It can be difficult to establish a balance between providing a secure online learning environment and giving students enough freedom to enhance their learning with technology. This checklist aims to provide you with an overview of five simple steps you can take to implement a practical, comprehensive internet safety plan at your school.
Implement a consistent district approach
There is no better way to approach online safety than to arm your school community with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to protect themselves online. Ensure that your Internet safety plan is inclusive of parents and students alike and that it is adaptable to the needs of the school community more broadly.
A consistent approach is a successful one. CIPA requires every school district to develop an Internet safety plan that addresses access to inappropriate material, safety and security of students when using electronic communications, unauthorized access and other unlawful online activities, and unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding students.
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Provide clear channels of communication
To implement a district approach to online safety, schools must engage fully with students, parents, and the school community at large. This engagement requires clear and open channels of communication between all, where potential threats to online safety can be safely reported and efficiently addressed.
Encourage feedback and offer both advice and resources to ensure that your school community feels supported and engaged in your approach to online learning.
Establish a transparent Internet safety policy
District policies related to the dissemination, use, and disclosure of student information on the Internet also are necessary. Policies should address disclosure of student information on school Web sites, student disclosure of personal information about themselves or others, and staff dissemination of confidential student information via e-mail.
Supply regular, high-quality, inclusive training
Schools should determine how frequently they will provide educational programs or curriculum by evaluating local or community needs and should retain documents demonstrating the frequency with which they provide their students with such programs or access to such curriculum. For example, a school might decide to provide training about appropriate online behavior to its students when they first start using the Internet and then every other year that follows.
Ensure resources are both up-to-date and available
An effective Internet safety plan is both positive and inclusive. Ensure that you make resources readily available for students to educate themselves in their own time. Provide parents, students, and teachers with the online resources detailed below, allowing all members of your school community to learn how to develop a positive, informed, and safe attitude to online learning.
- Family Online Safety Institute
- KidSafe Foundation
- Childnet International
- Center for Cyber Safety and Education
- CyberWise
- Web Wise Kids
- Internet Matters
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Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of online safety while fostering a conducive learning environment for students can be challenging. However, by following the checklist provided, you can take proactive steps to implement a practical and comprehensive internet safety plan at your school. Remember to prioritize communication, transparency, and continuous education to empower your school community to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Together, we can create a positive and informed online learning environment for all.
Author: Bethany Spencer
Posted: 11 Feb 2020
Estimated time to read: 5 mins
