FACT: Schools are required to filter internet content and protect student data
COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) and FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act) are two other laws that seek to protect the disclosure of student data online. They are also the subject of much debate as it relates to school services, and have often been misinterpreted to state that students can't access Web 2.0 tools or create accounts with third-party services. I've embedded below an excellent presentation from the CUE (formerly Computer Using Educators), an ISTE-affiliate group of California educators who are advocates for educational technology. It explains these laws in clear, easy-to-understand language.
FICTION: Parents are the only ones responsible for teaching children to be safe online
As an elementary technology coordinator, one of my favorite resource websites in Common Sense Media. They have a host of resources, from the video above (it's a catchy tune - my elementary kids love it!) to a comprehensive digital citizenship curriculum (FREE!) for grades K-12. If you haven't checked out their website yet, what are you waiting for? You can also find free printable posters, their Graphite app review website, and much, much more. One of my favorite resources is Digital Passport, a nifty set of games (web, iOS, & Android apps) for grades 3-5 that teach many important components of Digital Citizenship, including staying safe online and citing sources.
So...What Can I Do?
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mahatma Ghandi
"CPPA, COPA, CIPA: Which Is Which?" American Library Association. Web. 01 Nov. 2014. <http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/ifissues/issuesrelatedlinks/cppacopacipa>.
Richardson, Will. Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts: And Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin, 2010. Print.