INTRODUCTION

The Children's Internet Protection Act, enacted December 21, 2000, requires recipients of federal technology funds to comply with certain Internet filtering and policy requirements. Schools and libraries receiving funds for Internet access and/or internal connection services must also meet the Internet safety policies of the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act that addresses the broader issues of electronic messaging, disclosure of personal information of minors, and unlawful online activities.

This policy is intended to be read together with the Yeshivah of Flatbush's Acceptable Use Policy.

This Internet Safety Policy applies to both students and employees. Although called the “Children's Internet Protection Act” and requiring specific protections for minors, CIPA clearly applies to certain aspects of adult usages as well.

It is the goal of this policy not only to prevent and protect, but to educate employees, students, parents and the community of the Yeshivah of Flatbush in Internet safety and Digital Citizenship. The CIPA guidelines for an Internet Safety Policy have also been incorporated by the Yeshivah of Flatbush into its Acceptable Use Policy.

It is the objective of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Internet Safety Policy to:

(a) Prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications;

(b) Prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity;

(c) Prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”)[Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC § 254(h)].

All limitations and penalties set forth in the Yeshivah of Flatbush Acceptable Use Policy are deemed to be incorporated into this policy. Terms used in this policy which also appear in the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) have the meanings defined in the Children's Internet Protection Act.

COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF CIPA:

Technology Protection Measures

ATechnology Protection Measureis a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access. It must protect against access by adults and minors to visual depictions specified by CIPA -that are obscene, involve child pornography, or are harmful to minors. In addition to the filtering systems that are incorporated with the Internet, Wi-Fi and Network service, the Yeshivah of Flatbush subscribes to two content filtering systems, on all computers that access the Internet, email, Google GMAIL, Google Drive and Google Apps, which is compliant with CIPA and NCIPA. Access to inappropriate material to the extent practical, Technology Protection Measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.

Specifically, as required by the Children's Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual and textual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Any attempt to bypass, defeat or circumvent the technology prevention measures is punishable as a violation of this policy and of the Acceptable Use Policy.

Inappropriate Network Usage

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Yeshivah of Flatbush Internet, Wi-Fi and computer network when used in electronic mail, chat rooms, blogging, instant messaging, online discussions and other forms of direct electronic communications. Without limiting the foregoing, access to such means of communication is strictly limited by the Acceptable Use Policy. Specifically, as required by the Children's Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,' and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

Supervision and Monitoring

It shall be the responsibility of all professional employees (pedagogical and

administrative staff) of the Yeshivah of Flatbush to supervise and monitor usage of the school and office computers, computer network and access to the Internet/Wi-Fi in accordance with this policy, the Acceptable Use Policy, and the Children's Internet Protection Act. Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Director of Technology or designated representatives. We emphasize staff responsibility in educating minors on appropriate online behavior and in supervising such activities in classrooms, computer labs and on portable devices used in school.

Education

The Yeshivah of Flatbush will advocate and educate employees, students, parents and the community on Internet safety, digital citizenship and cyber-bullying. Education will be provided through such means as student workshops and presentations, assemblies, professional development training and materials to employees, parent presentations, and community outreach opportunities throughout the school year.

Cyber-bullying

The Acceptable Use Policy includes provisions intended to prohibit and establish penalties for inappropriate and oppressive conduct, including cyber-bullying.

The Yeshivah of Flatbush is a place of tolerance and good manners. Students or employees may not use the network or any school computer device or facilities for hate mail, defamatory statements, and statements intended to injure or humiliate others by disclosure of personal information (whether true or false), personal attacks on others, and statements expressing animus towards any person or group by reason of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Network users may not use vulgar, derogatory, or obscene language. Network users may not post anonymous messages or forge e-mail or other messages. Furthermore, school computers and network facilities may not be used for any activity, or to transmit any material, that violates United States, New York State or local laws. This includes, but is not limited to any threat or act of intimidation or harassment against another person.

Penalties for Improper Use

Failure to adhere to Internet Safety of Acceptable Use Policy and rules may subject users to warnings, usage restrictions, disciplinary actions, or legal proceedings.

Organizational Responsibility and Privacy

• The organization does not warrant network functionality or accuracy of information.
• The organization does not warrant the effectiveness of Internet filtering.
• The privacy of system users is limited.