2006 Code of Virginia § 22.1-70.2 - Acceptable Internet use policies for public and private schools

22.1-70.2. Acceptable Internet use policies for public and private schools.

A. Every two years, each division superintendent shall file with theSuperintendent of Public Instruction an acceptable use policy, approved bythe local school board, for the Internet. At a minimum, the policy shallcontain provisions that (i) are designed to prohibit use by divisionemployees and students of the division's computer equipment andcommunications services for sending, receiving, viewing, or downloadingillegal material via the Internet; (ii) seek to prevent access by students tomaterial that the school division deems to be harmful to juveniles as definedin 18.2-390; (iii) select a technology for the division's computers havingInternet access to filter or block Internet access through such computers tochild pornography as set out in 18.2-374.1:1 and obscenity as defined in 18.2-372; (iv) establish appropriate measures to be taken against persons whoviolate the policy; and (v) include a component on Internet safety forstudents that is integrated in a division's instructional program. The policymay include such other terms, conditions, and requirements as deemedappropriate, such as requiring written parental authorization for Internetuse by juveniles or differentiating acceptable uses among elementary, middle,and high school students.

B. The superintendent shall take such steps as he deems appropriate toimplement and enforce the division's policy.

C. On or before December 1, 2000, and biennially thereafter, theSuperintendent of Public Instruction shall submit a report to the Chairmen ofthe House Committee on Education, the House Committee on Science andTechnology, and the Senate Committee on Education and Health which summarizesthe acceptable use policies filed with the Superintendent pursuant to thissection and the status thereof.

D. In addition to the foregoing requirements regarding public school Internetuse policies, the principal or other chief administrator of any privateschool that satisfies the compulsory school attendance law pursuant to 22.1-254 and accepts federal funds for Internet access shall select atechnology for its computers having Internet access to filter or blockInternet access through such computers to child pornography as set out in 18.2-374.1:1 and obscenity as defined in 18.2-372.

E. The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall issue guidelines to schooldivisions regarding instructional programs related to Internet safety.

(1999, c. 64; 2001, c. 269; 2006, cc. 52, 474.)