Internet Use and Safety

It is the belief of Macon County Schools that access to the Internet and other computer resources should be available to all students, faculty, and staff. The Internet and other computer and information resources offer vast, diverse, and unique resources that can educate and inform. These resources have an important place as educational resources in our schools by facilitating information-sharing, innovation, and communication.

The Internet is in a constant state of change, and it is difficult to predict what will be available from day to day. With access to the Internet, the possibility increases that material may be accessible that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. Macon County Schools has taken strong precautions to restrict access to obscene and inappropriate materials; however, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials and information. It is the belief of Macon County Schools that the valuable information and interaction available on the Internet are worthwhile, even though the possibility exists for access to materials, which are not educationally appropriate.

Students, parents, and all school personnel must work together to ensure the efficient and appropriate use of the Internet and other computer network services. The effective and productive use of the network depends upon end users who practice etiquette, exhibit proper ethical and legal conduct and adhere to the guidelines of Macon County Schools Acceptable Use Policy.

Internet Safety and Information Links

I-Safe
http://www.isafe.org
I-Safe provides parents, students, educators and law enforcement with training curriculum, videos, newsletters, outreach programs and other resources in an effort to make the internet a safer place for our youth.

SafeTeens.com
http://www.safeteens.com
SafeTeens offers good advice for parents and teens to learn how to use the internet safely

ikeepsafe.org
http://www.ikeepsafe.org
Their mission is to give parents, educators, and policy makers the information and tools that empower them to teach children the safe and healthy use of technology, the Internet and social networking sites.

Federal Bureau of Investigation
http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguide.htm
The FBI provides a Parent's Guide to Internet Safety that includes a section, "What are signs that your child might be at risk on-line?" There are also helpful definitions and "Frequently Asked Questions".

Macon County Schools "Acceptable Use of the Internet and Computer Resources" Policy
Acceptable Use Policy