Internet Safety and Cyberbullying
Technology is an increasingly important tool for teaching and learning. Schools and families must work together to help children learn to use technology safely and respectfully. Everyone has an essential role to play in keeping children safe and secure while online.
There are laws that protect students' safety and privacy when using the internet.
- The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) requires schools to protect students’ privacy and safety online at school.
- The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires schools to block or filter internet access on school computers to pictures that are inappropriate for minors.
- The Dignity for All Students Act (The Dignity Act) forbids discrimination or harassment, including bullying, taunting or intimidation. This includes cyberbullying, which is bullying through any form of electronics, including social media, email, and text messaging. Schools also must provide instruction in safe, responsible use of the Internet and electronic communications.
While schools are teaching students how to use technology safely and respectfully, and how to recognize and report cyberbullying if it is seen or experienced, parents might also want to do the same at home. There are several resources that can help families talk to their children about these important issues.
- Protecting Kids Online by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) includes links to several articles about reducing the risks for kids socializing online.
- NetSmartz from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children provides information about internet safety and cyberbullying, including what to look for and how to talk to your child about these issues.
- Connecting Families from Common Sense Media is designed to support and empower families in raising kids who think critically, participate responsibly, and behave ethically in their online lives. Common Sense is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology.
- What Is Cyberbullying? is a guide that explains what cyberbullying is, how to identify it, and how to avoid it.