In accordance with the State Board of Education Rule 6A-1.0957, Discovery Academy of
Science (DAS) adopts the following Internet Safety Policy to ensure the safety of our students
while making use of the Internet and digital technologies.
1. Technology Protection Measures for Inappropriate Material
○ DAS will utilize technology protection measures on all school-owned devices.
These measures will filter or block access to content, websites, or other online resources that are deemed inappropriate for students.
○ Regular reviews and updates will be carried out to ensure the effectiveness of the filtering system.
2. Safety and Security in Direct Electronic Communications
○ Students are prohibited from disclosing personal contact information without prior consent from a school official or teacher.
○ The use of email, chat rooms, and other direct electronic communication by students will be monitored to protect the safety and security of students.
○ Students are advised to report any suspicious or inappropriate electronic communications to a school official immediately.
3. Protection Against Unauthorized Access and Hacking
○ DAS will deploy technology protection measures to prevent hacking or any unauthorized access to confidential data or information.
○ Any student found trying to bypass security measures or hacking into the system will face disciplinary actions, which may include suspension or expulsion.
4. Protection of Student Personal Information
○ Access to websites, web or mobile applications, or software that do not protect against the disclosure, use, or dissemination of students’ personal information is strictly prohibited.
○ Teachers and staff are required to vet and verify the safety standards of any third-party digital tool before introducing it to students.
5. Restricted Access to Social Media Platforms
○ Students are prohibited from accessing any social media platforms on school-owned devices or any device connected to the school-provided internet, unless explicitly directed by a teacher for educational purposes.
○ When used for educational purposes, students must adhere strictly to guidelines set by the teacher and refrain from personal use or sharing of personal information.
6. Prohibition of TikTok and Successor Platforms
○ The use of TikTok, or any of its successor platforms, is strictly prohibited on all school-owned devices.
○ Additionally, any device connected to school-provided internet, regardless of ownership, is restricted from accessing TikTok or its successor platforms.
○ TikTok, or any successor platforms, must not be used to communicate or promote any charter school, school-sponsored club, extracurricular organization, or athletic team affiliated with DAS. Implementation and Compliance
All members of the DAS community, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators, are expected to adhere to this Internet Safety Policy. Violations will be addressed according to the established disciplinary procedures of the Discovery Academy of Science. Regular reviews of this policy will be conducted to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with this policy and to support the school’s efforts in maintaining a safe digital environment for our students
One of the major requirements is to help students learn how to learn – to have critical thinking and communication skills necessary for success in the world of tomorrow.