As you are aware, the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) required allSchool Districtsto have a Board-approved Internet Safety Policy, filter internet access from certain visual depictions and monitor on-line activity of its students.  To be compliant with the initial requirements of CIPA, the Board Policy was required to address access by minors to inappropriate matter; the safety/security of the minors when using e-mail, chat rooms and other direct electronic communications; unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors on-line; unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to them.

Beginning July 1, 2012, new CIPA requirements will take effect.  Under these new requirements, theSchool District’s Internet Safety Policy must now address the education of minors regarding appropriate on-line behavior, including interaction with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms; and cyber-bullying awareness and response.  Under these new requirements, theSchool Districtis required to teach on-line safety to students as a pre-requisite to receiving E-Rate funding beginning with the 2012 school year.  Our office is in the process of developing amendments to the Board Policy to comply with the new CIPA requirements which will be provided to you in sufficient time for Board action prior to the July 1, 2012 deadline for Policy adoption.

If you have any questions, please contact Alfred Maiello at acm@mbm-law.net or by calling 412.242.4400.

Alfred Maiello

Alfred C. Maiello is the founding member of MBM and has represented area school districts as solicitor for 50 years. He counsels school districts and educational institutions on leading developments in school law and guiding them through their day-to-day and long-term challenges.