The Student Privacy Acts are essential pieces of legislation designed to protect the personal information of students in educational settings. These acts establish guidelines for how schools and educational institutions collect, use, and share student data. By ensuring that students' privacy is safeguarded, these laws aim to foster a safe learning environment where students can thrive without the fear of unauthorized access to their personal information. Understanding these regulations is crucial for educators, parents, and students alike, as they navigate the complexities of data privacy in today's digital age.

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Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 

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FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Generally, under FERPA, school districts must obtain parental or student consent prior to disclosure of student records. However, schools may disclose directory information without prior consent, except that parents may request the school not disclose this information.

 

For more information, please visit:

https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

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Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) 

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The primary goal of COPPA is to place parents in control over what information is collected from their young children online. COPPA was designed to protect children under age 13 while accounting for the dynamic nature of the Internet.  COPPA applies to operators of commercial websites and online services (including mobile apps) directed to children under 13 that collect, use, or disclose personal information from children, and operators of general audience websites or online services with actual knowledge that they are collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children under 13. 

 

For more information, please visit: https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/complying-coppa-frequently-asked-questions

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Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) 

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The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about children’s access to obscene or harmful content over the Internet. CIPA imposes certain requirements on schools or libraries that receive discounts for Internet access or internal connections through the E­rate program. 

 

Monson Public Schools follow the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act by: 

 

• Blocking or filtering Internet access to materials that are harmful to minors 

• Providing instruction in Internet Safety 

• Monitoring online activities of minors 

For more information, please visit:  https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act

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