Independent student use of telecommunications and electronic information resources will be permitted upon submission of permission forms and agreement forms by parents of minor students and by students themselves. Access to the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards throughout the world. The Howard County Public School System believes that the benefits to students from access in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed the disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, the Howard County Public School System supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for independent access.
Internet services are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner.
Users of the Internet must acknowledge their understanding of the guidelines as a condition for independent use of the Internet. Use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in suspension or revocation of Internet access. Provisions 1.Acceptable uses of the Internet are activities which support learning and teaching. Internet users are encouraged to develop uses which meet their individual educational needs and which take advantage of the network's functions.