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Appendix A — Technology and Internet Acceptable Use Policy

 

The full text of the ECS Internet Acceptable Use Policy is included here as a standalone reference. The same policy appears in summarized form in Section 4 of this handbook.

Purpose and Philosophy

The Emanuel County Board of Education provides students and employees access to a wide variety of electronic media resources, including the Internet. The Board recognizes that electronic information research skills are fundamental to preparing students for citizenship and employment in an information-driven world. The Board expects staff to integrate thoughtful use of these resources into the curriculum and to guide students in appropriate use. This policy is compliant with the Protecting Georgia's Children on Social Media Act of 2024 and the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Board Policy IFBG — Adopted 05/11/2026.

Social Media

Students are prohibited from accessing social media platforms on any school-owned, leased, or provided device or internet connection. The only exceptions are:

  • When directed by school personnel
  • For the exclusive purpose of accessing age-appropriate educational resources
  • Under the direct supervision of school personnel
  • During a school-related activity

Parental Opt-Out

ECS supports each family's right to deny Internet access for their child. Parents or legal guardians may obtain a "Request to Deny Internet Access" form from the principal's office.

Terms and Conditions of Use

Internet access is a privilege, not a right. The Superintendent or designee may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time for violation of these policies. Receipt of the Student Handbook constitutes acknowledgment that the student and family are bound by these regulations for any Internet access as a student of the Emanuel County School System.

Prohibited Conduct

Students are responsible for all actions and activities involving the school network. The following conduct is prohibited. This list is illustrative, not exhaustive — failure to comply may result in revocation of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or legal action.

Accessing or sending any material that is:

  • Damaging to another's reputation
  • Abusive, obscene, or sexually oriented
  • Threatening or harassing
  • Contrary to ECS harassment policy
  • Related to unauthorized access (hacking) or other unlawful activities

Other prohibited uses:

  • Using the network for any illegal activity, including copyright violations or transmitting material in violation of U.S. or state law
  • Copying, downloading, or distributing copyrighted material without the owner's written permission
  • Using the network for personal financial gain or commercial advertising
  • Wasting network resources or using software designed to damage systems
  • Gaining unauthorized access to any account, system, or entity
  • Invading the privacy of others or using another user's account or password
  • Posting material created by another person without their consent
  • Posting anonymous messages or forging email
  • Attempting to read, delete, copy, or interfere with another user's email
  • Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked
  • Using the network in a manner inconsistent with teacher or staff directions

Technology Protection Measures

ECS maintains a qualifying technology protection measure (content filter) in continuous operation on all school computers with internet access. These filters block access to visual depictions that are obscene, constitute child pornography, or are harmful to minors as defined by CIPA and the Protecting Georgia's Children on Social Media Act of 2024. The principal of a school may disable the content filter for an adult or for a minor whose parent or guardian has provided written consent, for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

 Additional Responsibilities

Financial Responsibility: Students and their parents or guardians are responsible for any losses, costs, or damages incurred by the school system due to a student's violation of this policy. The Board assumes no responsibility for unauthorized charges, fees, or equipment costs.

Security: If a student identifies a security problem or breach, they must immediately notify the principal, designee, or appropriate staff. Students must not demonstrate the problem to other students.

Vandalism: Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy school equipment, student data, or the network — including uploading or creating computer viruses — will result in cancellation of privileges and additional disciplinary action.

Unauthorized Disclosure: The unauthorized disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal information about minors is illegal under the Children's Internet Protection Act.

Network Etiquette

Students are expected to follow generally accepted standards of online behavior:

  • Be polite — do not send abusive messages
  • Use appropriate language — no profanity or vulgarity
  • Do not share other students' personal addresses or phone numbers
  • Understand that email is not private — system operators may access all messages, and messages related to illegal activity may be reported to authorities
  • Do not disrupt other users' access to the network
  • Treat all communications and information on the network as private property
  • Limit streaming of music and video to educational purposes only

Bullying and Cyberbullying

Using the network to bully, threaten, harass, or intimidate any student or staff member is prohibited and will be treated as a Code of Conduct violation. See Section 4 and Section 8 for full definitions and consequences.

Questions

Direct questions about this policy to the school principal, media specialist, or technology coordinator.