Teaching, Learning & Assessment » K-12 Standards & Instruction » Digital Learning Integration

Internet Safety

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Model Policy Concerning Internet Safety

To emphasize the essential role of technologies in the learning experiences of students, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is committed to helping school boards develop and implement internet safety policies and programs. Safeguarding students remains the utmost priority in K-12 education. Due to the ever-changing nature of internet technologies, it is important for all members of the educational community to actively address this imperative. In the learning environment, leaders allow for safe access to the internet, teachers design safe lessons, and students safely use technology. The Model Policy concerning Internet Safety represents the knowledge and perspectives of teachers, researchers, law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, as well as local, state, and federal representatives. This document has been developed for local school boards in the Commonwealth to enable such school boards to better ensure the internet safety of all students and teachers in the local school division. While this document offers recommendations, specific integration details are left to the discretion of local education agencies.

Digital Wellness  

family-virtual-learning

Safeguarding children remains the utmost priority. With the growing concerns regarding the frequent use of screens on the health and well-being of children, it is important for educators and caretakers to actively address the use of digital devices in school and at home.  Recommendations for Digital Wellness (PDF) is provided to support a balance between the physical and digital worlds ensuring that devices are being used in appropriate, meaningful, and empowering ways. The Digital Devices in the Classroom: Health and Safety Guidelines infographic (PDF) includes areas to help support teaching and learning when using digital devices.   The Office of Parent Engagement at VDOE has also created A Guide to Safe and Healthy Personal Device Use for Families. 

Recommended Instructional Resources for Internet Safety

Educators play a vital role in guiding students to navigate the internet safely, responsibly, and confidently. To support this work, VDOE offers curated, high quality instructional resources aligned with Virginia’s Internet Safety standards. Teachers can explore lessons, activities, professional learning materials, and division created exemplars through the Internet Safety Advisory Council’s (ISAC) Internet Safety Resource Hub on GoOpenVA.

Visit GoOpenVA.org/ISAC to access ready to use resources that help empower students to become thoughtful, informed digital citizens. As the online world continues to evolve, these tools ensure educators have what they need to keep students safe and supported.

Federal Laws

Code of Virginia