Internet Use Agreement

Please note: The Emanuel County Schools Acceptable Use Agreement is subject to future updates pending state guidance related to the Protecting Georgia’s Children on Social Media Act of 2024 (SB 351). Local boards of education must adopt policies aligned to the law by October 1, 2025, with submission to the Georgia Department of Education by October 15, 2025. Emanuel County Schools will update its policies and practices accordingly to ensure full compliance.

The Emanuel County Board of Education recognizes that as telecommunications and other new technology change the ways that information may be accessed, communicated and transferred by members of society, those changes may also alter instruction and student learning.  The Board generally supports access by students to rich information resources along with the development by staff of appropriate skills to analyze and evaluate such resources.

The Emanuel County Board of Education makes available to its students and employees a wide variety of media resources, including electronic media such as the Internet.  Electronic information research skills are now fundamental to preparation of citizens and future employees during an Age of Information.  The Board expects employees will blend thoughtful use of such information throughout the curriculum and that employees will provide guidance and instruction to students in the appropriate use of such resources.

Access to telecommunications will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with people throughout the world.  The Board believes that the benefits to students from access in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration exceed the disadvantages.  Please read the following “Student Internet Appropriate Use Regulations and Administrative Procedures.”  Your receipt of the Student Handbook indicates you have read the previously mentioned documents to which you are bound and by which your actions are governed if your child accesses the Internet at any time and under any circumstances as a student of the Emanuel County School System.   To that end, the Emanuel County Schools support and respect each family’s right to deny internet access for their child.  Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) may obtain a “Request to Deny Internet Access” form available in the principal’s office.

Student Internet Appropriate Use Regulations and Administrative Procedures

The School District will enforce the following administrative procedures.  Although some specific examples of prohibited uses by students are stated, they are intended as illustrations only and do not purport to be an all-inclusive list of inappropriate behaviors.  Failure to comply with these administrative procedures shall be deemed ground for revocation of privileges, potential disciplinary and/or appropriate legal action.

Terms and Conditions

Acceptable Use: Access to the school’s Internet is provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school system’s educational mission and goals.

Privileges: The use of the school system’s Internet is a privilege, not a right.  Inappropriate use may result in the cancellation of those privileges.  The Superintendent or designee(s) shall make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated these policies and procedures and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time.

Unacceptable Use: The user is responsible for all his/her actions and activities involving the network.  Examples of prohibited conduct include but are not limited to the following:

1. Accessing materials or communications that are:
   1. Damaging to another’s reputation
   2. Abusive
   3. Obscene
   4. Sexually oriented
   5. Threatening
   6. Contrary to the school system’s policy on harassment.
   7. Harassing
   8. Unauthorized access including so-called “hacking,” and
   9. Other unlawful activities
2. Sending or posting materials or communications which are:
   1. Damaging to another’s reputation
   2. Abusive
   3. Obscene
   4. Sexually oriented
   5. Threatening
   6. Contrary to the school system’s policy on harassment
   7. Harassing
   8. Other unlawful activities
3. Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts or transmitting any material in violation of U.S. and State regulations;
4. Copying or downloading copyrighted material on any system connected to the School System’s hardware/software without the owner’s permission.  Only the owner(s) or individuals specifically authorized in writing by the owner(s) may copy or download copyrighted material to the system;
5. Uploading or distributing copyrighted material without the owner’s written permission - Copyrighted materials can only be distributed with the owner’s written permission.  Such permission must be specified in the document or must be obtained directly from the owner in accordance with applicable copyright laws, Board policy and administrative procedures;
6. Using the network for private financial or commercial gain;
7. Wastefully using resources;
8. Utilizing any software having the purpose of damaging the unit’s system or user’s system;
9. Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities (hacking);
10. Invading the privacy of individuals;
11. Using another user’s account or password;
12. Posting material authorized or created by another without his/her consent;
13. Posting anonymous messages;
14. Using the network for commercial or private advertising;
15. Forging of electronic mail messages
16. Attempting to read, delete, copy or modify the electronic mail of other system users and deliberately interfering with the ability of other system users to send/receive electronic mail;
17. Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked; and
18. Using the network in a fashion inconsistent with directions from teachers and other staff and generally accepted network etiquette.

Compensation: The student and/or the student’s parent’s)/legal guardian(s) shall be responsible for compensating the school system for any losses, costs, or damages incurred by the school system relating to or arising out of any student violation of these procedures and policy.

Security: Network security is a high priority.  If the student identifies or perceives a security problem or breach of these responsibilities on the Internet, the user must immediately notify the principal, his/her designee OR other appropriate staff.  They must not demonstrate the problem to other student users.

Vandalism: Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action.  Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy the school unit’s equipment or materials, data of another student, the Internet network, or agency.  This includes but is not limited to the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

Telephone Charges: The Board of Education assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees including but not limited to long distance charges, per minute surcharges and/or equipment or line costs.

Network Etiquette: The user is expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette.  These include but are not limited to the following:

1. Be polite.  Do not become abusive in messages to others.
2. Use appropriate language.  DO NOT swear or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
3. Do not reveal the personal addresses or telephone numbers of any students.
4. Recognize that electronic mail (E-mail) is not private.  People who operate the system have access to all mail.  Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
5. Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by other users.
6. Consider all communications and information accessible via the network to be private property.
7. Limiting streaming music and video files for educational use only.

Unauthorized Disclosure: Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors are illegal under the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

If you have questions about this policy and these procedures, you may wish to speak to your Principal, Media Specialist, and/or Technology Coordinator.

Bullying: The term “bullying” means an act which occurs on school property, on school vehicles, at designated school bus stops, or at school related functions or activities, or “cyber-bullying” by use of data or software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology of a local school system, that is:

(1) Any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury on another person, when accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so;

(2) Any intentional display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm; or

(3) Any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass, or intimidate, that:

(A) Causes another person substantial physical harm within the meaning of Code Section 16-5-23.1 or visible bodily harm as such term is defined in Code Section 16-5-23.1;

(B) has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;

(C)  is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or

(D) Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

 

1. Parental Consent for Internet Device Use
   Before a school-issued device capable of connecting to the internet is assigned to a student, parental/guardian consent will be required. By signing the student handbook affirmation form, you are agreeing to follow these guidelines for device and internet usage.
    
2. Internet Filtering and Protection
   All school-issued devices are equipped with internet filtering software that blocks access to content harmful to minors, including obscene and sexually explicit materials. Filtering applies both on-campus and off-campus when using a school device.
    
3. Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety Instruction
   Each year, students will receive grade-appropriate instruction on:
   1. Digital citizenship and responsible technology use
   2. Safe online communication practices
   3. How to recognize, avoid, and report online dangers and inappropriate content.
       
4. Notification to Parents/Guardians
   Parents and guardians will receive annual written notification about:
   1. The district’s internet safety and filtering policies
   2. The use of internet filtering on school devices
   3. Their right to review filtering measures and digital safety instructional materials.
       
5. Reporting Concerns
   Students and parents are encouraged to promptly report any exposure to inappropriate content or suspicious online behavior encountered while using school-issued devices. Reports may be made to a designated school administrator, teacher, or through an anonymous reporting system available on the school district website.