Electronic Devices

Abuse of Electronic and Internet/Communication Devices

The School Board of Orange County, Florida is committed to providing a safe, positive, productive and nurturing educational environment. The use of the internet or an electronic device to convey any communication, image or illustration that causes or contributes to the intimidation, harassment, abuse, or disparagement of students and staff is strictly prohibited. This includes any such communication, image or illustration that is prepared or originates off school grounds and adversely impacts the educational environment at school for students or staff.

The following electronic communication conveyed by internet or an electronic device is prohibited: cyber- stalking, bullying/cyber-bullying, sexting, coercion, extortion, making threats of violence or harm or other computer related crimes that impact the educational environment. Sexting is defined as sending, forwarding, displaying, retaining, storing or posting sexually explicit, lewd, indecent or pornographic photographs, images or messages by or on a cell phone, computer or other electronic means during school hours or school activities on or off campus; while on school district property, or beyond the hours of school operation if the behavior adversely affects the personal safety or well-being of school-related individuals, the governance, climate or efficient operation of the school; or the education process or experience.

Violation of the Abuse of Electronic and Internet/Communication Devices policy or any School Board adopted Policy related to the use of telecommunication or electronic devices may result in discipline in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct. OCPS administrators have sole discretion to determine whether any electronic communication, image or illustration violates this policy and the Code of Student Conduct.

Any student who learns of any offensive internet content or electronic communication, image or illustration that relates to any OCPS school, student or staff member should immediately report the matter to school staff. Each report will be evaluated to determine the appropriate action.