10: Technology, Internet Use, and Personal Devices

Technology is a learning tool. Students are expected to use BPS101 devices, accounts, networks, software, and personal devices in ways that support learning, protect privacy, and maintain a safe school environment.

BPS101 Devices, Accounts, and Networks

Students are expected to:

use BPS101 devices, accounts, and networks for school-related purposes;
protect passwords and account access;
avoid accessing, creating, or sharing inappropriate content;
avoid attempts to bypass filters, security settings, or monitoring systems;
communicate respectfully and lawfully online;
report safety, security, or technology concerns to staff.

BPS101 devices, accounts, networks, and systems are provided for school purposes. Because these tools are used for learning, safety, security, operations, and legal compliance, student activity on BPS101 technology may be filtered, monitored, accessed, or reviewed by authorized staff as permitted by law and Board policy.

Personal Electronic Devices

Phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other personal electronic devices must be used consistent with school expectations and staff directions.

During instructional time, personal devices must be silenced and put away unless a teacher or administrator permits use for an instructional, medical, accessibility, emergency, or other approved purpose.

Personal devices may not be used to disrupt learning, record others without permission, harass or bully others, access or share inappropriate content, cheat, violate privacy, or interfere with school operations.

Schools may establish building-level procedures for personal devices in their appendices, including expectations for elementary, middle school, and high school students.

Personal devices may be restricted, held by staff, or subject to other school responses when used in violation of school expectations or Board policy.

Families are responsible for personal devices brought to school. Schools are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices.

Inappropriate Images and Recording

Recording, possessing, viewing, or sharing nude, sexual, harassing, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate images or recordings is prohibited. Concerns involving such material may result in school discipline, parent/guardian notification, device restrictions, safety interventions, or referral to law enforcement when required.

Policy / Legal Requirements

Board Policy 6:235 (Access to Electronic Networks) governs acceptable use.
Board Policy 7:190 (Student Behavior) applies to all electronic device misuse, including disruption and sexting.
Board Policy 7:345 (Use of Educational Technologies) governs student data privacy.
Internet access is filtered under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
Student data is protected under SOPPA.
Families acknowledge the Acceptable Use Policy annually; students acknowledge receipt digitally when they log in to BPS101 devices, accounts, or systems.

References

Board Policy 6:235 – Access to Electronic Networks
Board Policy 7:345 – Use of Educational Technologies; Student Data Privacy and Security
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA)