Resources

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. 

In developing practices to ensure safe and responsible Internet use by students, teachers and administrators must be aware of, and implement as required, the relevant laws. 

• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) - The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, effective April 21, 2000, applies to the online collection of personal information from children under 13 years of age by persons or entities under U.S. jurisdiction. It details what a website operator must include in a privacy policy, when and how to seek verifiable consent from a parent or guardian, and what responsibilities an operator has to protect children's privacy and safety online, including restrictions on marketing to those under 13. 

• Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) - The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about children's access to obscene or harmful content over the Internet.  Schools and libraries subject to CIPA must have an Internet safety policy that includes technology protection measures, including the monitoring of online activities of minors.  In addition, per the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act, schools are also required to educate minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response.

• The Dignity for All Students Act - The Dignity Act, which prohibits discrimination or harassment, including bullying, taunting or intimidation, added Article 2 to the Education Law (Sections 10 through 18) in 2012. A year later, the Act was amended to include cyberbullying as part of the definition of “harassment and bullying.” Cyberbullying  is defined as harassment or bullying which occurs through any form of electronic communication.  The New York State Dignity for All Students Act (Dignity Act): A Resource and Promising Practices Guide for School Administrators and Faculty was developed by the Dignity Act Task Force to assist schools in implementing the Dignity for All Students Act.  

The Dignity for All Students Act also requires instruction in safe, responsible use of the Internet and electronic communications.  The following resources may be useful in this effort:

• Citizenship in the Digital Age - Sample Lesson Plans for Grades 1-12 was created by New York City librarians, for use by school librarians and teachers. The lessons gathered here offer beginning guidance to all those in the field addressing the needs of 21^st century students.
• The National Crime Prevention Council provides information and resources to address cyberbullying.
• Common Sense Education has published a K–12 digital citizenship program that includes lessons and comprehensive learning resources for students, teachers, and family members.

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.