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Dinwiddie School Board adopts revised Internet safety policy with CIPA-aligned protections and curriculum requirements
Summary
The board approved an Internet safety policy that formalizes filtered access, monitoring, digital citizenship lessons for all grade levels and ongoing staff professional learning; presenters said the policy aligns with Virginia Department of Education guidance and federal Children's Internet Protection Act requirements.
The Dinwiddie County School Board voted to adopt a revised Internet safety policy that codifies filtering, monitoring, and a program of age-appropriate digital citizenship instruction across the district.
Presenters — identified in the meeting as Mister Ampey and a colleague — told the board the policy aims to ensure "safe, responsible, and ethical use" of district networks and to comply with guidance from the Virginia Department of Education and federal requirements such as the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The policy sets goals for filtered software, network monitoring, password and copyright guidance, cyberbullying response, and student privacy protections.
The presenters said the policy includes an instructional design component: elementary students (K–5) will receive lessons in the library; middle- and high-school lessons will be delivered through advisory periods. The district will provide ongoing professional learning for staff and maintain community advisory discussion. The presenters noted the district had previously updated its acceptable use policy in May to include an AI provision and said the new Internet safety policy incorporates continuing updates for emerging technology.
Board member questions focused on what changed from existing practice. Presenters said much of the practice already existed; the chief change is a formal, written framework and districtwide lesson plans to ensure all grade levels receive instruction. The board approved the policy on a voice vote.
