Christian school administrators understandably have concerns about the safety of their students when they use the school computers, but the first step in ensuring this safety is to secure the school’s own computer systems. During the summer break is a good time to review school systems and make any needed changes. As these changes are being made, attention should be given to keeping students safe online. The Christian Law Association encourages Christian schools to consider these important protocols.
1. Identify computers that have sensitive information and make sure they are not connected to the Internet. There are, to be sure, certain advantages to having computers networked together; but these very advantages also increase the potential for security breaches. CLA recommends that ministries maintain student record information on an isolated network that is not connected to the Internet. Academic, disciplinary, and financial information about students should be offline.
2. Hire an outside systems expert to design or audit the ministry’s computer security. In today’s society, many teens have profound computer knowledge that is impressive. However, when a teen who “knows a lot about computers” volunteers to set up the Christian school’s network free of charge, this is one offer that you must refuse! Remember, the person who designs the computer system knows dozens of ways to get into the system’s back doors. Allowing a student to design—and thereby have access to—such a system is not wise!
3. Make sure your computer system is constantly updated. A qualified IT professional can help make sure that your system has the latest security releases and technology upgrades. Because of the constantly changing nature of the computer world, systems that were safe in the past may be unsafe now.
4. Require students to register online activities with the school. CLA recommends that schools require all students to register any Internet blog or website they create. Because most online activity is done under a screen name, the administration may not be able to verify the author’s identity unless accounts are registered.
Have a policy for student websites. The following policy, based on our case experience, is recommended by CLA:
5. Any student who decides to operate a personal online website or contributes to a blog must register the website/blog with the school staff. (Ex.: facebook.com, tumblr.com, twitter.com, etc.) The website must be registered immediately upon its creation. Any student who creates a website or blog prior to attending the school must register the website/blog as soon as he/she is accepted as a student. All website/blog content will be monitored on a regular basis. Any student, including homeschooled students, found with an unregistered website/blog or website/blog material that is deemed inappropriate to the purpose and mission of the school will be in direct disobedience to this ruling and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including immediate ineligibility to attend the school.
6. Educate parents on the dangers of the Internet. While it is true that many parents are comfortable with modern technology, we have found that many parents are simply not aware of some of the dangers that their children are facing. As an educational institution, it is appropriate to provide information to parents, giving them tools that can keep their children as safe as possible.
One crucial aspect of this education is to stress that children are never to set up meetings, even group meetings, with people they have only met online!