Internet Safety and Usage Policy
The Internet is a vast, global network, linking computers at universities, high schools, science labs, and other sites. Through the Internet, one can communicate with people all over the world through a number of discussion forums, as well as through electronic mail. In addition, many files are available for downloading on the Internet, many of which are of educational value. Because of its enormous size, the Internet’s potential is boundless. It is possible to speak with anyone from prominent scientists to world leaders to a friend at college. However, with such great potential for education also comes some potential for abuse. Some of the information available is controversial and, sometimes, may be offensive. The Quincy Public Schools does not condone such materials. In an effort to limit access to such offensive material, a filtering program has been installed and is in use. Staff will also monitor all student use. It is the purpose of these guidelines, as well as the Acceptable Use Policy, to make sure that all who use the Internet, both students and faculty, use this valuable resource in an appropriate and safe manner.
Internet Safety:
These rules are adapted from NetSmartz.org, a joint venture of the Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Justice Department. You can visit their site and download an age-specific Internet safety pledge for parents and students to discuss and sign.
Internet users should:
- Not use rude, mean or intimidating language on the Internet.
- Talk with your parents or guardian and set up rules for going online. The rules should include whom you may communicate with, and appropriate areas for you to visit while online.
- Tell a trusted adult if you come across anything that makes you feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
- Never share personal information such as your address, telephone number, parents' or guardian's work address/telephone number, or the name and location of your school or any information about your friends without your parents' or guardian's permission.
- Never send anyone your picture or anything else without first checking with your parents or guardian.
- Never respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make you feel uncomfortable. If you do get a message like that, tell a trusted adult right away so that he or she can contact the online service.
- Never meet in person with anyone you have first "met" online without checking with your parents or guardian. If your parents or guardian agrees to the meeting, it will be in a public place and your parents or guardian must come along.
- Never download anything from anyone you don't know. In addition to offensive content, spam or junk E-mail may contain viruses that can damage your computer.
- Always respect copyright laws and check on sources. When writing reports, make sure that the online sources of information are credible, and always cite your sources.
- Piracy is illegal and keeps authors, artists, and others from getting paid for their work. Never download things such as pictures, games, music, or movies that have not been given to the public for free.
Use of the QPS Internet Connection
The primary purpose of the Quincy Public Schools (QPS) Internet Connection is to support and enhance the school system’s educational program. Anyone using the QPS Internet Connection for other purposes shall immediately be told to disconnect. In addition, anyone connecting to the QPS Internet Connection from remote locations, such as homes, must also follow the guidelines and purposes stated in the Acceptable Usage Policy. Failure to abide by these regulations will result in suspension of Quincy Public Schools Internet privileges. For more details, please download and read a copy of the entire Internet Acceptable Usage Policy.
Responsible Internet Users
A staff member or student of Quincy Public Schools may have access to the QPS Internet Connection as long as they abide by the following:
A responsible user may:
- Use the Internet to research curriculum projects
- Use the Internet to send electronic mail (e-mail) to other users, within the guidelines written below
- Use the Internet to explore areas of interest within the QPS curriculum
- Use the Internet under the supervision of QPS staff to enter non-specific personal data (e.g. age, gender) in order to access educational information
A responsible user may NOT:
- Use the Internet for any illegal or inappropriate purpose
- Use impolite or abusive language, or access obscene or pornographic materials
- Violate the rules of common sense or etiquette
- Delete or alter computer files that do not belong to the user
- Send or receive material that would violate the copyright and/or trademark laws of the United States
- Share a password, when issued, with anyone
- Vandalize the Internet system. (Students will be legally liable for any damage they might create)
- Send messages that are likely to result in the loss of recipients’ work or systems
- Send “chain letters”
- “Broadcast” messages to lists or individuals
- Create conditions which cause congestion of the networks or otherwise interfere with the work of others
- Enter any information that may be used to specifically identify the student (e.g. name, address, date of birth, social security number) without the approval of QPS professional staff
Unacceptable use of QPS Internet Connection includes but is not limited to:
- Violating individuals’ right to privacy
- Using profanity, obscenity or other language that may be offensive to others
- Reposting personal communication without the author’s prior consent
- Copying commercial software in violation of copyright laws
- Using the network for financial gain, commercial activity or any illegal activity
Because access to the Internet provides connections to other computer systems located throughout the world, users (and parents of student users) must realize that neither the Quincy Public Schools nor any district staff member controls the content of the information available on the Internet.
E-Mail Use
- The person to whom an e-mail account is issued may use the Internet to send mail (e-mail) to other users.
- The holder of an e-mail account is responsible at all times for its proper use
- Users of QPS e-mail Internet Connection are advised to change their password frequently
- Users must not give a password to another user
Please download, read, and sign a copy of the Acceptable Use policy.