Acceptable Use Policies, Online Safety, and Photo Permission

FormsElizabeth WhiteTara DykesJulie Howe

Table of Contents

Acceptable Use Policies (AUP)Children’s Online Privacy

Protection Act (COPPA)Photo Permission FormsAdditional Resources for ParentsReferences

Acceptable Use Policies

A written agreement in the form of guidelines signed by students, their parents and their teachers.

AUPs outlines the terms and conditions of internet use-rules of online behavior and access privileges

“An AUP reflects the circumstances unique to the school or division, the electronic systems used, and clearly defines what constitutes local responsible use of information networks.” - Virginia Dept of Education

Components of an AUP

Description of instructional strategies to be supported by internet use

A statement on the benefits of the internet to the school district

Responsibilities that the educators, students and parents need to follow when using the internet

Code of conduct outlining proper internet behavior and what is acceptable use

Consequences of not following the guidelines which are laid out

Disclaimer absolving the schools from responsibility

A reminder that the internet is a privilege

A signature form for students, teachers and parents agreeing to follow the AUP

The importance of AUPsProtects the students from online

harmProtects the teachers and schools

from lawsuitsBrings security to the parents

while the children are at schoolLinks parents and teachers

Example elementary AUPAlamance Burlington School SystemDo not break any computer related

material (keyboard, mouse, etc.)Do not use another’s name or passwordDo not draw pictures or send messages

on the computer that you would not want your teacher or parents to see, or that makes others feel bad

Do not copy another’s work without putting their name on it

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)Enforced by the Federal Trade

Commission, and passed in 1998COPPA “requires commercial

website operators to get parental consent before collecting any personal information from kids under the age of thirteen”-Federal Trade Commission

COPPA Requirements

Websites must get parental consent before “collecting, using, or disclosing personal information about a child”

Websites must allow parents to review the personal information collected from the child, and must verify the identification of the parent.

Websites must allow parents to revoke their consent and delete any of the gathered information

Teachers and COPPA

COPPA allows teachers “to act on behalf of a parent during school activities online, but does not require them to do so”-Federal Trade Commission

Allows teachers to have full control over online activities and information shared online and over the internet

Photo Permission Forms Signed by the Parent and student to give

permission on releasing photos and other information on the internet.

Only the student’s first name would ve used if consent is given

Teachers have to state what information would be used and under what circumstance.

Important for avoiding any possible lawsuits for posting information the parents did not want seen

Additional Information:Resources for Parents on AUP, COPPA, and Privacy and Safety

Acceptable Use Policy

Privacy Issues for Parents and Students

Teaching your Student about AUPs and Online Privacy and Safety

References

Alamance Burlington School System. (2004). Student internet and electronic mail responsibility agreement: an interpretation for elementary school students. Retrieved September 13, 2004, from http://www.abss.k12.nc.us/student_parent/policies/elemaup.html

Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). How to protect kids’ privacy online: A guide for teachers. Retrieved September 13, 2004, from http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/online/teachers.htm

Virginia Department of Education. (n.d.). Acceptable internet use policies:a handbook. Retrieved September 13, 2004, from http://www.pen.k12.va.us/go/VDOE/Technology/AUP/home.shtml

Remember:

Be Safe Online!