The Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”), enacted December 21, 2000, requires recipients of federal technology funds to comply with certain Internet filtering and policy requirements. Schools and libraries receiving funds for Internet access and/or internal connection services must also meet the Internet safety policies of the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (“NCIPA”) that addresses the broader issues of electronic messaging, disclosure of personal information of minors, and unlawful online activities.
The Jefferson County School district's Internet usage policy addresses the following five components:
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Access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web;
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The safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications (including instant messaging);
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Unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities by minors online;
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Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identificationinformation regarding minors; and
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Measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors.
The Jefferson County School district's policy implements the use of an Internet filtering mechanism to block access to websites identified as obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.
The policy emphasizes staff responsibilities in supervising online activities by minors. Jefferson County School district's Internet usage should: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].
Reference:
Jefferson County Board of Education 4.406, 4.407
TCA 49-1-221