Laws and Regulations for Internet Safety and Cyberbullying
- Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires that schools that receive E-Rate discounts for Internet access and internal connections must:
- Certify that they have an Internet Safety Policy that includes technology protection measures that block or filter internet access to pictures that are: (a) obscene; (b) child pornography; or (c) harmful to minors (for computers that are accessed by minors).
- Hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address the proposed Internet Safety Proposal.
- Include monitoring the online activities of minors in the Internet Safety Policy
- Educate minors about appropriate online behavior.
- There are several State and Federal laws that require that District must safeguard student data privacy:
- New York State Education Law 2-d prohibits the unauthorized release of personally identifiable student, teacher, or administrator data (PII).
- It also requires Parents’ Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security.
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) safeguards student privacy by limiting who may access student records.
- Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) regulates the online collection of personal information from children under 13.
- School Districts must comply with the Dignity for All Students Act (Dignity Act or DASA) which prohibits all forms of discrimination or harassment, including cyberbullying.
- DASA, like CIPA, also requires instruction in safe and responsible use of the Internet and electronic communications.
- The School District must provide Internet Safety Instruction for all students. Internet Safety instruction is required by CIPA, DASA, and Education Law 814. This instruction should include safe and responsible use of the Internet including appropriate online behavior.