Schools face an everyday challenge of securing their learning environment against child predators, inappropriate Web content, threats to networks and bandwidth-draining applications. To address this challenge, pro-active enforcement of an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) complemented by 8e6's total monitoring, filtering and reporting solution is the best practice.

An AUP is a written agreement signed by teachers, students and their parents that outlines the terms and conditions of Internet use, rules of online behavior, access privileges and penalties for violations of the policy. Anyone using the school's Internet connections should be required to sign the AUP. 

Creating and enforcing an effective AUP is a collaborative effort and a multi-step process. As Robert Losinski, Information Security Administrator at Denver Public Schools states, “The most effective and enforceable policies are those that are created and agreed upon by the administration, backed up in the student code of conduct and employee handbook, and then monitored and enforced by robust filtering and reporting tools.” (THE Journal, March 2007) 

AUP Tools:
8e6 Technologies is constantly developing tools that educators and IT staff can use to effectively enforce their Acceptable Use Policies in addition to their filtering solutions. Feel free to access and modify these documents in support of your efforts in securing your learning environment. 

Best Practice Guide: 

• Internet Acceptable Use Policy Best Practices for K-12
  

AUP Templates:

• Student Acceptable Use Policy 
• Student Acceptable Use Policy Consent Form
• Internet Safety Plan
• Logon Template