Legal issues involving students and Internet use: Implications for policy setting

This study investigated judicial cases and prominent law issues from the early 1990s to the present that involved student Internet use and schools. The study results serve to provide a basis for recommendations and practical guidelines for educators and school policy makers. Educators must remain compliant with federal and state laws on privacy (FERPA and COPPA) and must utilize Internet safety policies (required by CIPA) when dealing with students and Internet use at school. Educators who have knowledge of the legal framework and applicable laws for acceptable Internet use can become empowered to deal appropriately with increasing inappropriate off-campus conduct that makes its way to campus. Specific documentation of disruptions that occur on campus created by some off-campus student action is a requirement, as courts more and more frequently accept "disruption" in school activities as an appropriate recourse for student discipline. Bullying in schools, bad-mouthing teachers and depicting schools in negative light are certainly not new issues in schools. The pervasiveness of "cyberbullying" will continue, given technologies, such as online instant messaging, e-mail and chat rooms, cell phones and P.D.A.s with wireless Internet access. Schools that have specifically stated policies that delineate what is allowed and not allowed, define the boundaries of the policy's application within school walls, and include a specific plan of action for dealing with "off-campus" behavior that disrupts the school environment will most likely be within the bounds of protecting students' rights.