Internet Safety

As a school district committed to teaching students in a 21st century learning environment with technology at the forefront of instruction, the Oxford Public Schools has a responsibility to ensure that students are educated on Internet safety.

Additionally, as a public school system that receives E-rate funding and applies for Department of Education technology grants, we are required to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act or CIPA.

The content below is meant to be a valuable resource to students, parents, district employees and other stakeholders, as well as a means to inform the public of the district's efforts to ensure the on-line safety of our students.

Use the links below to go directly to a specific section of this webpage.
Tips for Students 
Tips For Students

AVOID THE DANGERS OF INSTANT MESSAGING
  • Be aware, Instant Messaging is never 100% secure. 
  • Instant Messaging provides an easy way for a stranger to contact you or find out vital information about you. 
  • If IM privacy settings are not set on your IM account, anyone could watch you while you are online 
PROTECT YOURSELF WHILE USING INSTANT MESSAGING
  • Be sure to set your privacy settings 
  • Allow only people you know "IRL" (in real life) on your "buddy list." 
  • If you receive an IM from someone not on your "buddy list" or from a stranger, you can block them from contacting you. 
  • Be sure not to provide any personal information about you or your family in your "buddy info" or profile. 
FOLLOW THE RULES
It is illegal: 
  • To threaten people over the Internet or phone. 
  • To send graphic photos to people under the age of 18. 
  • To harass or bully anyone. 
  • To use other people's credit cards. 
  • To download music without permission. 
  • To use someone else's identity without permission including logging on to someone else's account. 
PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION
  • Do not give out your name, address, phone #, photo, birthday or social security number. 
  • Use extreme caution when writing your profile. 
  • Protect your password from others, even your friends. 
  • Beware of free offers and surveys. 
ANSWERS
  • Never respond if you feel uncomfortable. 
  • Never say you are alone. 
  • Don't answer chat room questions, even with lies. 

SECURITY
  • Kids and teens should not make online purchases. 
  • Use caution when using Morpheus, Kazaa or Grokster. Check with your parents and your school before using file-sharing programs. 
  • Enable firewalls. 
  • Use Virus Checkers. 
  • Install Security updates from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). 
STRANGERS
  • On-line "friends" are still strangers. 
  • Meetings are forbidden. 
  • People on the Internet may have many identities. 
If you have any questions about Internet use, speak to your parents.  Report any unusual email, IM or phone contact to your parents immediately. Taken from the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office Website
Resources for Parents

A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety - U.S. Department of Justice F.B.I
A Parents Guide to the Internet - U.S. Department of Education
Advice for parents from Disney.com on how to keep your child safe on the Internet
Parenting Online - Wired Safety
McGruff's Internet Safety Pledge - National Crime Prevention Council
Stop Cyberbullying Before It Starts
iKeepsafe - Internet Safety Coalition
Ten Technical Questions - What Every Parent Must Do To Keep Children Safe Online
Protecting Tweens and Teens Online Brochure
Protecting Young Children Online Brochure
Teach Kids Mobile Phone Safety Brochure
Cyberbullying Research Center
Digital Safety

Resources for Educators

Internet Safety - U.S. Department of Education
NetSmartz Workshop - National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Teacher's Guide - Jo Cool Jo Fool
CyberSense and Nonsense - Media Awareness Network
i-SAFE
iKeepsafe - Internet Safety Coalition