Instruction: Student Use of the Internet (752)

The internet, a global computer network, has vast potential to support curricula and student learning and should be used in schools as a learning resource to educate and to inform.

The School Board acknowledges that it is impossible to predict with certainty what information students might locate on the internet. The electronic information available to students does not imply endorsement by the School Division of the content, nor does the School Division make any guarantee as to the accuracy of information received on the internet.

The School Division shall make every effort to see that this educational resource is used responsibly by students. Administrators, teachers, and staff have a professional responsibility to monitor and guide student use of these resources; however, it is equally important to help students develop the intellectual skills needed to discriminate among information sources, to identify information appropriate to their age and developmental levels, and to evaluate and use information to meet their educational goals.

The Superintendent or designee shall develop procedures for student use of the computer system, including electronic information resources. Such procedures should address issues of privacy, ethical use of information, illegal and/or unauthorized uses of the internet, and other conditions of usage.

The Harrisonburg City Public School's electronic mail system is owned and controlled by the School Division. The School Division may provide electronic mail to aid students as an educational tool. Electronic mail is not private. Students' electronic mail may be restricted and/or monitored. Unauthorized access to an electronic mail account by any student is prohibited. Users shall be held personally liable for the content of any electronic message they create. Downloading any file attached to an electronic message is prohibited unless the user is certain of that message's authenticity and the nature of the file.

Use of the internet demands personal responsibility and an understanding of acceptable use procedures. Student use of the internet is a privilege, not a right. General rules for behavior and communications apply when using the internet. Failure to follow the acceptable use procedures will result in the loss of the privilege to use this educational tool and, if applicable, disciplinary measures.

• U.S.C. Sections 1460, 2256.
• 47 U.S.C. Section 254.
• Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, Sections 18.2-372, 18.2-374.1:1, 18.2-390, 22.1-70.2 and 22.1-78.
• Guidelines and Resources for Internet Safety in Schools, Virginia Department of Education (Second Edition October 2007).

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