School districts need specific policies to govern the acceptable use of computer networks and the Internet. Your goals might be to maximize the benefits of using on-line technology’s vast resources while encouraging responsible, cautious use; protect users from harm; and protect districts from liability.

Some districts ask both students and their parents to sign agreements governing network and Internet access. In some district, network privileges can be revoked if, for example, students illegally install copyrighted software, interfere with others using the network, or send hate mail or malicious comments over the network.

If your board is concerned not only with materials students are sending electronically but also with materials students may be receiving through commercial on-line services, you can explore the option of purchasing hardware and software to help curtail school access to inappropriate on-line material.

You may want to review network policies other school districts have developed and adapt them to your own needs. Do not wait until a major problem arises; instead, develop network and Internet policy statements before potentially serious issues develop.

(Excerpted from NSBA's Becoming a Better Board Member)

Link to sample Acceptable Use Policies as well as guidelines to their development and evaluation.

In the Toolkit:

In the Toolkit: