Guardian Angel Catholic School Internet Safety Policy

Introduction and Purpose

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, access to the internet has become an indispensable resource for education, research, and communication. Guardian Angel Catholic School recognizes the invaluable role that the internet plays in enhancing learning opportunities and expanding knowledge horizons for our students, staff, and patrons.

The purpose of this Internet Safety Policy is to ensure that internet access within our institution is not only a powerful educational tool but also a safe and secure environment for all users. We are committed to fostering a responsible, respectful, and secure online community where individuals can explore the vast realm of the internet while safeguarding against potential risks and threats.

This policy is designed to align with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), a federal law enacted to protect children from harmful online content and promote internet safety in schools and libraries. CIPA compliance is not only a legal requirement for institutions like ours that receive E-rate funding but also an ethical imperative to safeguard the well-being of our users, particularly our younger students.

By outlining our approach to filtering, monitoring, education, and enforcement, this policy seeks to create a digital environment that encourages responsible online behavior, protects the privacy of users, and ensures that our institution remains a beacon of knowledge and exploration within the digital world.

We understand that the internet is a dynamic and ever-evolving space, and as such, this policy will be regularly reviewed and updated to address emerging challenges and opportunities in internet safety.

We invite all members of our institution’s community to familiarize themselves with this policy and work together to uphold its principles and standards. Together, we can harness the power of the internet for educational enrichment while providing a secure online experience for all.

Responsible Use

Purpose of Internet Access

Internet access provided by Guardian Angel Catholic School is a valuable tool for educational and research purposes. It serves as a gateway to a wealth of knowledge, information, and resources that can enhance learning, creativity, and communication. As such, the primary purpose of internet access within our institution is to support and advance educational and research objectives.

Applicability of this Policy

This Internet Safety Policy applies to all individuals who access the internet through Guardian Angel Catholic School’s network, including but not limited to:

Students: This policy applies to all enrolled students, regardless of age or grade level.
Staff: All employees, contractors, and volunteers who use the institution’s internet resources are subject to this policy.
Patrons: Visitors and guests who access our network are expected to adhere to this policy during their time on our premises.

Regardless of their affiliation with Guardian Angel Catholic School, all users are expected to understand and comply with the guidelines outlined herein to ensure a safe and productive online environment.

Filtering and Monitoring

1. Technology Protection Measures

To ensure a safe and secure online environment, [Your Institution Name] employs technology protection measures, including advanced filtering software. These measures are in place to block access to harmful or inappropriate content that may jeopardize the well-being of our users, particularly children, and to maintain compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

2. Filtering Criteria

Our filtering criteria are carefully selected to align with the requirements of CIPA. This includes, but is not limited to, the following categories of content that will be blocked:

Adult content, including explicit images and material.
Content that is obscene, pornographic, or otherwise inappropriate for educational settings.
Materials promoting violence, hate speech, or discrimination.
Websites that engage in phishing, malware distribution, or other malicious activities.
Sites that are known sources of malware, spyware, or other cybersecurity threats.

While we strive to strike a balance between providing open access to educational resources and protecting against harmful content, it’s important to note that no filtering system is foolproof. Occasionally, legitimate educational content may be inadvertently blocked, or inappropriate content may slip through. In such cases, our institution has established procedures for requesting the unblocking of websites or online content for legitimate educational purposes.

3. Universality of Filtering

Our filtering measures apply uniformly to all devices that access the internet through [Your Institution Name]’s network. This includes but is not limited to computers, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, and any other device connected to our network. By doing so, we aim to create a consistent and secure online experience for all users, regardless of the device they use.

Guardian Angel Catholic School is committed to maintaining the integrity of our filtering and monitoring processes to ensure that our internet access remains a valuable and secure resource for educational and research purposes.

Unblocking Procedures

Requesting Unblocking

1. Who Can Request Unblocking:
Unblocking requests can be submitted by the following individuals:

Students
Staff members
Faculty
Patrons (if applicable)

2. Eligibility for Unblocking:
Unblocking requests will be considered for websites or online content that have an educational or research purpose and are consistent with the mission and goals of Guardian Angel Catholic School.

3. Submission Process:
To request the unblocking of a specific website or online resource, users must follow these steps:

Fill out the “Unblocking Request Form,” which can be obtained from Miguel Beltran.
Provide detailed information about the requested website or online content, including its URL, purpose of access, and relevance to academic or research activities.
Clearly explain why the content should be unblocked and how it aligns with educational or research goals.

4. Submission Deadline:
All unblocking requests must be submitted at least two weeks before the intended use of the content. Early submissions are encouraged to allow sufficient processing time.

Review and Response

1. Review Committee:
Unblocking requests will be reviewed by a designated committee responsible for assessing the educational value and appropriateness of the requested content.

2. Response Time:
Guardian Angel Catholic School is committed to processing unblocking requests in a timely manner. Applicants can expect a response within three business days of the submission.

3. Decision Notification:
Applicants will be notified of the decision via the contact information provided in their request. If the request is approved, access to the requested content will be unblocked for the specified period.

4. Appeal Process:
In the event that an unblocking request is denied, individuals have the right to appeal the decision. Information on the appeal process can be found in the notification of denial.

We value the educational and research needs of our users and strive to balance the benefits of open access with the responsibility to maintain a secure online environment. Our unblocking procedure is designed to ensure that legitimate educational and research activities can proceed unimpeded while maintaining our commitment to internet safety and compliance with CIPA.

Education and Training

At Guardian Angel Catholic School, we are committed to promoting a safe and responsible online environment for all users. We recognize that education is a crucial component of internet safety. To ensure that students, staff, and patrons are well-informed about internet safety, appropriate online behavior, and the potential risks associated with internet use, we have established a comprehensive education and training program.

1. Internet Safety Curriculum:

For Students: Guardian Angel Catholic School has integrated internet safety education into the curriculum to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the online world safely. Internet safety topics are covered in age-appropriate ways, ensuring that students are aware of the potential risks and know how to protect themselves online.

For Staff: All staff members receive training on internet safety as part of their onboarding process. Regular refresher courses are also provided to keep staff up to date on best practices and emerging online threats.

2. Workshops and Seminars:
We offer workshops and seminars on internet safety, digital citizenship, and responsible online behavior for both students and staff. These sessions are conducted by experts in the field and provide practical guidance on staying safe online.

3. Resources and Materials:
Guardian Angel Catholic School maintains a repository of internet safety resources, including brochures, videos, and informational materials, which are readily accessible to all users. These resources cover a wide range of topics, from protecting personal information to recognizing and reporting online harassment.

4. Online Safety Pledges:
We encourage all users to take an online safety pledge, committing to use the internet responsibly and to report any concerning online behavior they encounter. These pledges serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility for a safe online environment.

Reporting Mechanisms

1. Reporting Procedures:
Users are educated about the procedures for reporting any inappropriate or harmful online content or behavior they encounter. We have established clear reporting mechanisms, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and confidentially.

2. Parental Involvement:
We actively involve parents and guardians in our internet safety efforts. We provide resources and information to help parents understand the digital landscape and how to support their children in making safe online choices.

Our goal is to empower all members of the Guardian Angel Catholic School community with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions and protect themselves while using the internet. We believe that a well-informed user is the first line of defense against online threats, and we remain dedicated to providing ongoing education and training in the ever-evolving digital world.

Monitoring and Reporting

1. Monitoring Internet Usage:
Guardian Angel Catholic School monitors internet usage to ensure compliance with this Internet Safety Policy. This monitoring is carried out to maintain a safe and secure online environment, prevent violations, and identify any potential breaches of the policy.

2. Reporting Violations or Breaches:
We encourage all users to promptly report any violations or breaches of this policy. Reports can be submitted to [Specify the contact or reporting mechanism]. When a violation is reported, Guardian Angel Catholic School will initiate an investigation and take appropriate action in accordance with the policy’s enforcement procedures.

Privacy

1. User Privacy Commitment:
Guardian Angel Catholic School is committed to protecting the privacy of all users, with special consideration for the privacy of children. We understand the importance of safeguarding personal information and data in the digital age.

2. Data Collection Practices:
Any data collected during the course of internet usage monitoring will be handled in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Guardian Angel Catholic School will not use this data for any purposes other than those related to internet safety and policy enforcement.

Enforcement and Consequences

1. Consequences for Violations:
Violations of this Internet Safety Policy may result in disciplinary action. The specific consequences for violations will be determined by the institution’s administration.

2. Progressive Discipline Measures:
In some cases, a progressive discipline approach may be employed, which may include warnings, temporary suspension of internet access privileges, or other measures as deemed appropriate. Repeated or serious violations may result in more severe consequences, up to and including permanent revocation of internet access privileges.

Review and Revision

1. Policy Review Frequency:
This Internet Safety Policy will be reviewed and, if necessary, revised at least annually to ensure that it remains compliant with CIPA regulations and addresses emerging internet safety issues. Additional reviews may be conducted as needed in response to significant changes in technology or policy requirements.

Legal Compliance

1. Compliance with CIPA and E-rate:
Guardian Angel Catholic School affirms its commitment to complying with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the associated requirements for E-rate funding. We understand the importance of these regulations in maintaining safe and secure internet access for our users.

Public Availability

1. Accessibility to Stakeholders:
This Internet Safety Policy will be made publicly available and easily accessible to all stakeholders, including students, staff, parents, and the broader community. It can be accessed on our website at www.guardianangelcs.com and is available upon request from Miguel Beltran.

Contact Information

1. Responsible Parties:
For questions, concerns, or reporting violations related to this Internet Safety Policy, please contact the following individuals:

Miguel Beltran
Email: mbeltran@guardianangelcs.com
Phone: (818) 359-0379

Acknowledgment

1. User Acknowledgment:
All users, including students, staff, and patrons, are required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of this Internet Safety Policy. This acknowledgment can be done through a signed form or electronic acceptance, as designated by Guardian Angel Catholic School.

References

1. Relevant Laws and Regulations:
This Internet Safety Policy adheres to the following federal laws, regulations, and guidelines:

California Education Code (CEC):
The California Education Code contains provisions related to student privacy and internet safety in schools. Sections such as CEC 49073.6 address student data privacy, and CEC 51871.5 pertains to internet safety policies for schools.
California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA):
CalOPPA is a state law that requires operators of commercial websites and online services to post a privacy policy. While it primarily applies to commercial entities, schools often maintain websites and online resources, and this law underscores the importance of privacy policies.
California Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (SOPIPA):
SOPIPA places restrictions on the collection and use of student data in educational technology services. Schools need to ensure that their internet safety policies align with SOPIPA’s requirements when using online educational tools and services.
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
While primarily addressing commercial entities, CCPA grants certain privacy rights to consumers, which can include students and their families. Schools should be aware of how CCPA may affect data privacy practices.
Archdiocese of Los Angeles Administrative Handbook:
ADMINISTRATIVE HANDBOOK – ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES: 10.3.1 Acceptable Use and Responsibility Policy for Electronic Communications (Archdiocesan AUP)
California Department of Education (CDE) Guidelines:
The California Department of Education may provide guidelines or recommendations related to internet safety and student data privacy, which can inform local policies and practices.
California’s Student Data Privacy Agreement (SDPA):
The California Attorney General’s Office provides a model SDPA, which districts can use to ensure compliance with student data privacy laws.
Federal Laws with California Implications:
In addition to CIPA, other federal laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) may also apply to schools in California. FERPA governs the privacy of student records and may intersect with internet safety and data protection.