Internet Safety Policy/CIPA Policy

School Advisory Board Meeting to Discuss and Adopt Internet Safety Policy/CIPA policies

When: June 6, 2025

Location: Most Holy Trinity School   

535 E Alice Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85020

Internet Safety Policy

Most Holy Trinity Catholic School

Mission and Purpose

Most Holy Trinity Catholic School is dedicated to preparing students for active and ethical

participation in a rapidly evolving technological world. Central to this mission is the integration of

Catholic morals and values into students' use of technology. This integration is a shared

responsibility among students, parents, faculty, and staff, working together to ensure that

technology serves as a tool for growth, learning, and the greater good.

As Catholic educators, we recognize the challenges and opportunities presented by new

technologies. The Church embraces these advancements as gifts of the Holy Spirit,

encouraging the faithful to use them creatively and responsibly in the service of humanity and

God’s plan (Aetatis Novae, #2–3, Rome, 1992).

To uphold these values, the school actively instructs students on ethical, safe, and legal uses of

the Internet and is committed to preventing misuse by any user, child or adult.

Introduction

The purpose of this Internet Safety Policy is to outline Most Holy Trinity Catholic School’s

approach to online safety and responsible technology use.

Students are expected to act responsibly and will be held accountable for their online conduct.

All technology use must align with the mission, goals, and values of Most Holy Trinity Catholic

School.

Policy Objectives

Most Holy Trinity Catholic School is committed to the following:

1. Preventing access to and transmission of inappropriate material via the Internet, email,

and other forms of electronic communication.

2. Blocking unauthorized access and unlawful online activity.

3. Protecting personal information of minors from unauthorized disclosure or misuse.

4. Complying with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and

47 USC §254(h)].

Violation of these provisions may result in restricted access to technology, disciplinary measures

up to suspension or expulsion, and possible legal consequences. The Computer

Teacher/Technology Coordinator, upon request from faculty or administration, may revoke user

access privileges at any time.

Definitions

1. User: Any student, faculty, or staff member accessing school technology resources.

2. Minor (per CIPA): Any individual under the age of 17.

3. Harmful to Minors (per CIPA): Visual content that:

a. Appeals to a prurient interest in nudity or sex;

b. Is patently offensive by adult standards for minors;

c. Lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.

Internet Terms and Conditions

A. Safety

1. Promotion of Safe Practices: The school will take practical measures to ensure safe

online use, including during email, chat, and instant messaging communications.

2. Protection of Personal Information: Students should never share identifying details

such as full name, home address, or phone number online.

B. System Security

1. Unauthorized Access: Any attempts to bypass security measures, access others’

accounts, or tamper with files are strictly prohibited and treated as serious violations.

2. Hacking: As required by CIPA, the school will actively prevent and penalize

unauthorized access and other illegal online activities.

C. Inappropriate Content

1. Determination of Inappropriate Use: Access to network services is a privilege. The

Computer Teacher/Technology Coordinator, Principal, or teacher will determine

inappropriate use.

2. Prohibited Content: Transmitting or receiving abusive, obscene, profane, sexually

explicit, threatening, harassing, or illegal content, including cyberbullying, is strictly

forbidden.

D. Copyright and Plagiarism

1. Users must comply with copyright laws and avoid plagiarism in any form.

E. Technology Protection Measures

1. The school will use Internet filtering software to block access to obscene content, child

pornography, and material deemed harmful to minors, in compliance with CIPA.

2. Classroom management software such as Hapara and LanSchool will be also be used

to monitor students’ online activity in real time.

F. Privacy and Monitoring

1. Monitoring: Internet activity is logged and monitored to maintain system integrity. While

privacy is respected, it may be limited to ensure compliance.

2. Staff Supervision: All staff are responsible for supervising student Internet use in

accordance with this policy.

G. Education and Training

1. Age-appropriate instruction will be provided by the Computer Teacher/Technology

Coordinator to ensure students understand:

o Acceptable Internet use standards and behavior

o Internet safety and responsible behavior when using social media and chat

rooms

o Cyberbullying awareness and response

H. Policy Review and Updates

1. This policy will be reviewed and updated as necessary to reflect new technologies and

evolving best practices.

I. Disciplinary Action

1. Violations of this policy may result in loss of privileges, disciplinary action (including

suspension or expulsion), and legal consequences. All users are subject to local, state,

and federal laws.