Internet Safety Policy For Monroe Charter Academy

Introduction
It is the policy of Monroe Charter Academy to: (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)].

Definitions
Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Monroe Charter Academy online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

Education, Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Monroe Charter Academy staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.

Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Principal or designated representatives.

The Principal or designated representatives will provide age-appropriate training for students who use the Monroe Charter Academy Internet facilities. The training provided will be designed to promote the Monroe Charter Academy commitment to:

a) The standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in the Monroe Charter Academy Internet Safety Policy;
b) Student safety with regard to:
a. safety on the Internet;
b. appropriate behavior while on online, on social networking Web sites, and in chat rooms; and
c. cyberbullying awareness and response.
c) Compliance with the E-rate requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”).

Following receipt of this training, the student will acknowledge that he/she received the training, understood it, and will follow the provisions of the District's acceptable use policies.

Adoption
This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Board of Monroe Charter Academy at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on June 12, 2023.