Internet Content Filtering on CPS Networks

Chesapeake Public Schools understands the importance of satisfying the requirements of the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) to provide a safe technology-integrated learning environment. This article will focus on the policies and procedures utilized by Chesapeake Public Schools in regard to internet content filtering for our students.

For additional Internet Safety information, recommendations, and FAQs, visit the Internet Safety section of our CPS Help Desk website.

This Article Covers the Following 

• What does Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) require?
• What policies & procedures has CPS set forth to meet and / or exceed CIPA requirements?
• What is “internet content filtering”?
• What software does CPS use to block and filter student-accessed content?
• What policies govern the internet filtering practices at CPS?
• Are there other resources for parents about children's use of the Internet and digital learning?
• Are there resources for students to learn & practice digital citizenship and internet safety?

What does Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) require? 

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires us to ensure:

• "We have an Internet Safety policy in place that includes technology protection measures, such as blocking and filtering internet access to websites and pictures that are (a) obscene; (b) child pornography; or (c) harmful to minors (for computers that are accessed by minors)".

Schools subject to CIPA are required to adopt and implement an Internet safety policy addressing:

• Access by minors to inappropriate matters on the Internet;
• The safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications;
• Unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities by minors online;
• Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and
• Measures restricting minors' access to materials harmful to them.

For full details, visit Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

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What policies & procedures has CPS set forth to meet and / or exceed CIPA requirements? 

1. Student Acceptable Telecommunications and Internet Use Policy
   
   
   • CPS has implemented appropriate software to block and / or filter Network access provided by CPS, and such software is designed to filter or block obscene material, pornographic material, and other material that is harmful to minors. Efforts to disable, tamper with, or otherwise interfere with the filtering software shall be deemed by CPS to be an improper and unacceptable use of the Network by the user for which the user can be disciplined.
     
     
   • An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is in effect for all students and staff.
     
     
   • The student and parent / guardian, as well as staff, must sign this AUP before using the CPS network and CPS device.
     
     
   • Parents / guardians are informed of student expectations to practice safe, responsible behavior when utilizing Internet resources.
     
     
   • Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship is part of our curriculum and policies and procedures are in place to clearly identify consequences for misuse.
     
     
2. Student Virtual Learning Conduct Expectations
   
   
3. Student Electronic Equipment Loan and Use Agreement
   
   
   • The device and accessories loaned under this agreement may only be used for school / educational activities and in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, School Board policies and regulations, CPS Acceptable Telecommunications and Internet Use Policy (AUP), CPS Emergency Closure Electronic Device Loan and Use Agreement, and CPS Student Code of Conduct.
     
     
   • Student responsibilities include, but are not limited to, Internet content filtering software (installed by CPS in compliance with legal requirements) is not turned off, bypassed, or attempted to be bypassed.
     
     
4. Student Conduct Policy Guidelines

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What is “internet content filtering"?

Internet content filtering is a technique of screening access to inappropriate, illicit, or unsafe web content by blocking access to this content. In addition to using software and policies to block inappropriate content, teachers and librarians have the primary responsibility of practicing good classroom management by assisting students in accessing appropriate resource sites. Students may be granted access to these sites for related assignments through bookmarked / shared links, via their CPS Canvas account, or within a Google assignment (such as Google Docs, Google Slides, etc).

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What software does CPS use to block and filter student-accessed content?

CPS utilizes Linewize software to filter and block sites identified as harmful to juveniles in compliance with CIPA regulations. 

When a blocked site has been accessed, a Content Blocked screen will display.  Users can see why a site was blocked by clicking See why it's blocked at the bottom of the screen. 

If a CPS staff member or student locates a questionable / inappropriate site or a site that is appropriate and should not be blocked, a request should be submitted to the CPS Help Desk with a link to the site to be reviewed by our Network Security team.

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Are there resources for students to learn & practice digital citizenship and internet safety?

• Visit our article about Internet Safety Games for Students.

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