IJNDB - Student Use of School-Issued Computers, Devices and the Internet
Book: I
Section: Instruction
Title: Student Computer and Internet Use
Code: IJNDB
Status: Active
Adopted: November 19, 1997
Last Revised: June 18, 2024
Prior Revised Dates: Oct. 1, 2003, November 3, 2010, November 15, 2020
STUDENT USE OF SCHOOL-ISSUED COMPUTERS, DEVICES AND THE INTERNET
Portland Public Schools’ computers/devices, network, and internet services (including Google for Education and/or other third-party services) are provided to support the educational mission of the schools. This policy and the accompanying rules also apply to other school devices issued directly to students (such as laptops and tablets), whether in use at school or off school premises. These devices and access to the internet are essential tools for teaching and learning for all students.
A. Use of Privately-Owned Computers Devices for School Purposes
Students are allowed to use privately-owned computers/devices at school with prior authorization, provided that they comply with this policy and the accompanying rules. Personal use of privately-owned devices at school is addressed in a separate policy, Student Use of Privately-Owned Electronic Devices at School (JFCK/JFCK-R).
B. Policy and Rules are Mandatory
Compliance with Portland Public School’s policies and rules concerning computer/device, network, and internet services use is mandatory. Students who violate these policies and rules may, after being given an opportunity to respond to an alleged violation, have their privileges limited, suspended or revoked. The building administrator shall have the final authority to decide whether a student’s privileges will be altered, based on the circumstances of the particular case and the need for access to the school’s instructional program. Such violations may also result in disciplinary action, referral to law enforcement and/or legal action.
C. No Right to Privacy
Portland Public Schools’ computers/devices, network, and internet services remain under the control, custody and supervision of the district at all times. The district monitors all computer/device and internet activity by students. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers/devices, networks, and internet services, whether they are used on or off school property.
D. Filtering Technology
Portland Public Schools utilizes filtering technology designed to block materials that are obscene or harmful to minors, and child pornography. Portland Public Schools takes precautions to supervise student use of the internet and electronic communications, and to prevent the unlawful disclosure, use or dissemination of personally identifiable information about students. Portland Public Schools educates students about safety on the internet, appropriate online behavior and cyberbullying awareness and response, but parents should be aware that Portland Public Schools cannot reasonably prevent all instances of inappropriate computer/device use by students that may violate Board policies and rules, including access to objectionable materials and communications.
E. Notification of Policy and Rules
Students and parents shall be informed of this policy and the accompanying rules through handbooks and/or other means selected by the Superintendent.
F. Implementation and Rules
The Superintendent or his/her designee is responsible for implementing this policy and the accompanying rules. Additional administrative procedures or school rules governing the day-to-day management and operations of the district’s computers/devices and network may be implemented by the Superintendent, consistent with Board policies and rules.
Legal
P.L. No. 110-385 (Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act)
47 USC § 254(h)(5) (Children’s Internet Protection Act)
Cross References
IJND-R - Portland Public Schools Website Guidelines
JICIA - Weapons, Violence and School Safety
JICK - Bullying and Cyberbullying in Schools
GCSA - Employee Computer and Internet Use