COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O. BOX 2120
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 109
May 25, 2007
INFORMATIONAL
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Use of
Student Pictures on websites |
School
divisions traditionally have established policies regarding the use of student
pictures and other identifying information in print media, such as local
newspapers. Many local newspapers are now available as both print and Web-based
media. While schools may grant permission for local newspapers to use student
pictures with articles about student activities, schools should be aware that
the newspaper may extend this use to electronic versions of the newspapers.
Ample evidence suggests that posting student pictures and identifying
information on websites is an Internet safety issue and could pose a serious
threat to student safety. This memorandum is to advise divisions to review
policies on the use of student pictures and identifying information in print
and electronic media.
In
some instances, student pictures and personal informationincluding height,
weight, and athletic statisticshave been posted to sites owned and managed by
division staff to support activities such as sharing athletic rosters. School
divisions are further advised that these types of sites could also pose serious
threats to student safety.
School
divisions should consider these concerns when they revise Acceptable Use Policies
(AUP) and develop Internet safety programs. For information on AUP and Internet
safety, please refer to the following site: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Technology/OET/internet-safety-guidelines.shtml
For
questions, contact Dr. Tammy McGraw, director of the Office of Educational
Technology, at 804-225-4429 or tammy.mcgraw@doe.virginia.gov.
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