2361 ACCEPTABLE
USE OF COMPUTER NETWORK/COMPUTERS AND RESOURCES
The Board of Education recognizes that as telecommunications and other new
technologies shift the manner in which information is accessed, communicated
and transferred that those changes will alter the nature of teaching and
learning. Access to telecommunications
will allow pupils to explore databases, libraries, Internet sites, bulletin
boards and the like while exchanging information with individuals throughout
the world. The Board supports access by
pupils to information sources but reserves the right to limit in school use to
materials appropriate to educational purposes. The Board directs the
Superintendent to effect training of teaching staff members in skills
appropriate to analyzing and evaluating such resources as to appropriateness
for educational purposes.
The Board also recognizes that telecommunications will allow pupils access to
information sources that have not been pre-screened by educators using Board
approved standards. The Board therefore adopts the following standards of
conduct for the use of computer networks and declares unethical, unacceptable
or illegal behavior as just cause for taking disciplinary action, limiting or
revoking network access privileges and/or instituting legal action.
The Board provides access to computer network/computers for educational
purposes only. The Board retains the
right to restrict or terminate pupil access to the computer network/computers
at any time, for any reason. The Board
retains the right to have district personnel monitor network activity, in any
form necessary, to maintain the integrity of the network and ensure its proper
use.
Standards for Use of Computer Networks
Any individual engaging in the following actions when using computer
networks/computers shall be subject to discipline or legal action:
A.
Using the computer network(s)/computers
for illegal, inappropriate or obscene purposes, or in support of such
activities. Illegal activities
are defined as activities that violate federal, state, local laws and
regulations. Inappropriate activities are defined as those that violate the
intended use of the network. Obscene
activities shall be defined as a violation of generally accepted social
standards for use of publicly owned and operated communication vehicles.
B.
Using the computer network(s)/computers
to violate copyrights, institutional or third party copyrights, license
agreements or other contracts.
C.
Using the computer network(s) in a manner that:
1.
Intentionally disrupts network traffic or crashes the
network;
2.
Degrades or disrupts equipment or system performance;
3.
Uses the computing resources of the school district for
commercial purposes, financial gain or fraud;
4.
Steals data or other intellectual property;
5.
Gains or seeks unauthorized access to the files of others
or vandalizes the data of another user;
6.
Gains or seeks unauthorized access to resources or
entities;
7.
Forges electronic mail messages or uses an account owned
by others;
8.
Invades privacy of others;
9.
Posts anonymous messages;
10.
Possesses any data which is a violation
of this policy; and/or
11.
Engages in other activities that do not advance the
educational purposes for which computer networks/computers are provided.
Internet Safety/Protection
The school district is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection
Act and has installed technology protection measures for all computers in the
school district, including computers in media centers/libraries, that block
and/or filter visual depictions that are obscene as defined in Section 1460 of
Title 18, United States Code; child pornography, as defined in Section 2256 of
Title 18, United States Code; are harmful to minors including any pictures,
images, graphic image file or other visual depiction that taken as a whole and
with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or
excretion; or depicts, describes, or represents in a patently offensive way,
with respect to what is suitable for minors, sexual acts or conduct; or taken
as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as
to minors.
The school district will certify on an annual basis, that the schools,
including media centers/libraries, in the district are in compliance with the
Children’s Internet Protection Act and the school district enforces the
requirements of this policy.
This Policy also establishes Internet safety policy and procedures in the
district as required in the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection
Act. Policy 2361 addresses access by
minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web; the safety
and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms
of direct electronic communications; unauthorized access, including “hacking”
and other unlawful activities by minors online; unauthorized disclosures, use,
and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and
measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors.
Notwithstanding blocking and/or filtering the visual depictions prohibited in
the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Board shall determine other
Internet material that is inappropriate for minors. The Board will provide reasonable public
notice and will hold one annual public hearing during a regular monthly board
meeting or during a designated special board meeting to address and receive
public community input on the Internet safety policy - Policy and Regulation
2361.
Consent Requirement
No pupil shall be allowed to use the computer network and the Internet unless
they shall have filed with the Technology Specialist a consent form signed by
the pupil and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
Violations
Individuals violating this policy shall be subject to the consequences as
indicated in Regulation No. 2361 and other appropriate discipline, which
includes but are not limited to:
1.
Use of the network only under direct supervision;
2.
Suspension of network privileges;
3.
Revocation of network privileges;
4.
Suspension of computer privileges;
5.
Revocation of computer privileges;
6.
Suspension from school;
7.
Expulsion from school; and/or
8.
Legal action and prosecution by the
authorities.
N.J.S.A. 2A:38A-3
Federal Communications Commission:
Children’s Internet
Protection Act.
Adopted: