Social Media

In compliance with the provisions of O.C.G.A. 20-2.324.7, the Catoosa County Public School System has established the following procedures:

1. Students are prohibited from accessing social media platforms on school devices or networks, except for legitimate educational purposes as outlined in item 3 below. The school district uses a variety of filtering solutions and software to prevent students from gaining access to social media platforms on school devices and networks.

2. Students who violate the prohibition of accessing social media platforms may be subject to disciplinary actions as outlined in item 29 of the Disciplinary Offenses and Dispositions of the Catoosa County Public Schools Student Handbook, and may include: Penalty at the discretion of the administrator, depending upon circumstances. May include parent conference, counseling, SST, behavior plan, detention, assignment to Saturday School or ISS, loss of computer privileges, recommendation for short or long-term suspension, appropriate legal action, or possible expulsion.

3. To the extent authorized by such social media policy, students shall be permitted to access social media platforms only:

(i) As directed by school personnel;

(ii) For the exclusive purpose of accessing and utilizing age-appropriate educational resources;

(iii) Under the supervision of such school personnel, and

(iv) During the course of a school-related activity

Parental Rights

1. Parents may request information from school personnel about what social media platforms have been or are intended to be accessed, as provided for above.

2. Parents may prohibit their child from accessing one or more social media platforms as provided for above.

3. To request information about social media platforms accessed or to prohibit your student(s) from accessing one or more social media platforms on school devices and networks, please contact your child(ren)’s school principal in writing. Please provide your full name, your child(ren)’s full name, and the name(s) of the specific social media platform(s) you wish to prohibit your child from accessing.