New Boston ISD

E-Rate Information

July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

 

New Boston ISD has filed a Form(s) 470 Requesting Services for the E-Rate filing year 2025 (July 1,2025 – June 30, 2026). You may find complete filing information on the E-Rate Schools and Library website at E-rate info . Please refer to the Request for Proposal (RFP) listed below for details. Vendors not previously approved by the New Boston ISD Business Office will be required to submit a completed Vendor Application Packet (see link below) with any submitted proposal response to the RFP(s). All vendor questions submitted will be posted with responses below.

 

E-Rate Filing Summary:

CATEGORY 1

Maintenance and Operations – District seeks vendor to provide 24/7/365 response to Utility Location Requests such as 811 calls. Vendor will provide damage prevention services, locate and outline-mark the location of district self-provisioned fiber upon requests. District anticipates 11 Emergency Locate Requests, 96 Normal Locate Requests and 11 Project Time Charges per year.

Form 470 Certified:

Form 470 #250019363 (click here to view)

Request For Proposal: 

NBISD 2025 Category 1 RFP 250019363 (click here to view) 

Submitted Questions and Answers:

Q: Would you be able to provide an as built for your self-provisioned network?

A: Yes, we have an as-built map of the District Self-Provisioned Fiber Network available.

 

CATEGORY 2

New Boston ISD Seeks E-Rate Category 2 funding the following services for the 2024-2025 Cycle:

Include any and all eligible fees, taxes, surcharges, installation, configuration and miscellaneous charges associated with requested services. Vendor must cost allocate ineligible services.

 

1. Fiber Optic SFP Transceiver:

Purchase 10 fiber optic SFP transceivers 10GBASE-LR SFP+ SMF 1310NM LC, or equivalent, compatible with fiber optic cabling and existing Cisco Catalyst Switches.

 

2. Network Switch:

Purchase 3 Cisco Catalyst 9200L 48-port PoE+ C9200L-48P-4G-EDU with Cisco C9200L-STACK-KIT, and PWR-C5-1KWAC 1KW AC Config 5 Power Supply, or equivalent.

 

3. Network Switch Licensing:

Include 3 license(s) as required for use and operation of the switches, listed in Item 2 above, in the school network environment Cisco Digital Network Architecture Essentials C9200L-DNA-E-48-3Y, or equivalent.

 

4. Wireless Access Points Licensing:

175 Meraki MR Series Enterprise - Subscription licenses - 12-month licenses for existing Meraki Wireless Access Points, Meraki Part no. LIC-ENT-1YR.

 

5. Network Firewall/Security Appliance License:

 1 12-month subscription license, Meraki Part no. LIC-MX450-ENT-1YR, for existing Meraki MX-450 Firewall/Security Appliance

 

Form 470 Certified:

Form 470 #250019583 (click here to view)

Request For Proposal: 

NBISD 2025 Category 2 RFP 250019583 (click here to view) 

 

Vendor Application Packet:

Vendor Application Packet (click here to download)

 

Submitted Questions and Answers:

 

 

 

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July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025

 

New Boston ISD has filed a Form(s) 470 Requesting Services for the E-Rate filing year 2024 (July 1,2024 – June 30, 2025). You may find complete filing information on the E-Rate Schools and Library website at usac info . Please refer to the Request for Proposal (RFP) listed below for details. Vendors not previously approved by the New Boston ISD Business Office will be required to submit a completed Vendor Application Packet (see link below) with any submitted proposal response to the RFP(s). All vendor questions submitted will be posted with responses below.

 

E-Rate Filing Summary:

CATEGORY 1

Internet Access and Data Transmission Service - All Campuses in District are connected back to Administration Building via Self-Provisioned Fiber Network. District seeks Internet Access and Data Transmission Service to connect To District Network at 201 Rice Street, New Boston, TX 75570. Service to begin 7/1/2024. Internet Access and Data Transmission can be bundled, or provided separately by one or more vendors, but must include all services necessary to provide Internet Access and Data Transmission for the District. Include any initial build-out, installation, configuration and miscellaneous charges associated with requested services. Please indicate whether VOIP telephony can be layered on the same circuit. Vendor must cost-allocate all E-Rate ineligible services. Request capacity options of 2.5 GB, 5GB and 10GB capacity.

 

Maintenance and Operations - District seeks to provide 24/7/365 response to Utility Location Requests such as 811 calls. Vendor will provide damage prevention services, locate and outline-mark location of District self-provisioned fiber network upon requests. District anticipates 10 Emergency Locate requests and 100 Normal Locate requests per year, based on average annual requests over the last 6 1/2 years.

 

Category One Self Provisioned Network / Services Provided over Third-Party Networks - District seeks connectivity from New Boston High School Main Campus to New Construction CTE Building Campus and to New Boston High School Gym Campus. District seeks installation of 6 strand single-mode fiber cabling from New Boston High School Main Campus MDF to new construction CTE Building non-contiguous Campus location and 12 strand single-mode fiber cabling from New Boston High School Main Campus MDF to Gym non contiguous Campus location. Dark or Leased Lit fiber connectivity requires 2 strands single-mode from Main to the CTE Building and 6 strands from Main to the Gym IDF. See RFP for additional details and map. See RFP for details.

Form 470 Certified:

Form 470 #240016965 (click here to view)

Request For Proposal: 

NBISD 2024 Category 1 RFP 240016965 (click here to view) 

 

CATEGORY 2

New Boston ISD Seeks E-Rate Category 2 funding the following services for the 2024-2025 Cycle:

Service Request 1:	Cabling - Install 72 CAT6e network drops in New Construction Athletic Field House and 48 CAT6e network drops in New Construction CTE Building, both at New Boston High School. Drops estimated at 200 feet per drop. Refer to RFP Description of Services Requested - Item 1 for detailed information.
Service Request 2:	Racks - Install 1 rack in each of the New Construction buildings at New Boston High School - Athletic Field House and CTE Building.  Refer to RFP Description of Services Requested - Item 1.1.2 and Item 1.2.2 for detailed information.
Service Request 3:	Cabling - install 6-strand fiber optic cabling from HS Gym to AG building, approximately 1,000 ft run. Install 6 strand fiber optic cabling from Visitor Field House to new construction Athletic Field House, approximately 1,000 ft run. Refer to RFP Description of Services Requested - Item 2 for detailed information.
Service Request 4:	Antennas, Connectors and Related Components - Provide 8 Fiber optic single-mode SFP Transceivers (1GB or 10GB) compatible with fiber optic cabling and network switches included as part of this request. Refer to RFP Description of Services Requested - Item 3 for detailed information.
Service Request 5:	Switches, and Necessary Software and Licenses - Provide 3 48-port Ethernet PoE switches and 1 24-port Ethernet PoE Switch for new construction Athletic Field House and CTE Building. Refer to RFP Description of Services Requested - Item 4 for detailed information.
Service Request 6:	Switches, and Necessary Software and Licenses - Provide necessary licenses for operation of network switches listed in Service Request 5 above. Refer to RFP Description of Services Requested - Item 5 for detailed information
Service Request 7:	Wireless Access Points and Necessary Software and Licenses - Provide 24 Meraki MR-44 Wireless Access Points or Equivalent for new construction Athletic Field House and CTE Building.  Refer to RFP Description of Services Requested - Item 6.1 for detailed information.
Service Request 8:	Wireless Access Points and Necessary Software and Licenses - Provide 1 Year (12-Month) license for 24 new Wireless Access Points and 100 existing Wireless Access Points. Refer to RFP Description of Services Requested - Item 6.2 for detailed information.
Service Request 9:	Firewall Service, Components, and Necessary Software and Licenses - Provide 1 Year (12-Month) license for existing Meraki MX-400 Firewall/Security Appliance. Refer to RFP Description of Services Requested - Item 7 for detailed information.

 

Form 470 Certified:

Form 470 #240017927 (click here to view)

Request For Proposal: 

NBISD 2024 Category 2 RFP 240017927 R1 (click here to view) 

 

 

Vendor Application Packet:

Vendor Application Packet (click here to download)

 

Submitted Questions and Answers:

Question: Will these switches (Category 2, Service Request 5 above) require stacking modules?

Answer: Two of the 48 port switches will install in the Athletic Field House and a 48 port switch and 24 port switch will install in the CTE Building. Please price the option of using a stacking module to connect the pair of switches at both locations.

 

Question: Will the transceivers (Category 2, Service Request 4 above) be used for the new single mode fiber runs? If not, please confirm whether the transceivers will be used for single mode or multimode fiber.

Answer: The transceivers will be used for the new single-mode fiber runs. The Category 2 requests for the switches and the transceivers is intended to price the option of 1GB and 10GB connectivity. The district seeks pricing for either a PoE switch 1GB capability such as the Cisco C9200L-48P-4G with 1GB uplink ports and 1GB single-mode transceivers OR  the C9200L-48P-4x with 10GB uplink ports and 10GB single-mode transceivers. Please price the switches and transceivers with both 1GB and 10GB capability as options.

 

Question: Will the fiber install require boring?

Answer: Yes, there will be directional boring involved in the installation of the fiber optic cabling requested in both the Category 1 Request Form 470 #240016965 and the Category 2 Request Form 470 #240017927. A site visit may be arranged by contacting the General Contact listed on the applications to survey the site.

 

Question: We have a question regarding inter-connect conduit with the new buildings.  Specifically, what size conduit will be provided and wll pull tape be already run inside the conduit?

Answer: The fiber installation should include all necessary directional boring, inter-connect conduit and pull tape as needed by the installer. Past projects have utilized Emtelle 7Tube and Hubble 48x30x36 Polymer Concrete Handholes as needed. There aren't plans at this time to provide inter-connect conduit connection between buildings as part of the construction. 

Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy New Boston Independent School District

1. Introduction

It is the policy of the New Boston Independent School District to: (a) prevent user access by adults and minors over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; (d) adhere to the policy governing different levels of filtering for teachers, students and administrator; and (e) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h) and (i)].

2. Children’s Internet Protection Act

Access to Inappropriate Material - Under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA, 2000), New Boston ISD is required to inform parents and students of the use of filtering technologies to block students’ access to inappropriate web sites. To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled by an authorized person or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. New Boston ISD will continue to provide sufficient Internet filtering to restrict access by minors to obscene material on the Internet either as part of a bundled services agreement from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) or as a separate service or on-site appliance as long as Internet Access is available to minors.

Inappropriate Network Usage - To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the New Boston Independent School District online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

Education, Supervision, and Monitoring – It is the responsibility of all New Boston ISD staff to educate, supervise and monitor use of the online computer network and access to the Internet at all times in accordance with this policy, New Boston ISD Board Policy FFF(Local) and CQ(Local), the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act. Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent or designated representatives.

FFF

Board Approved: May 21, 2012

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New Boston ISD will monitor student use of the Internet to (a) prohibit access by minors to inappropriate material on the Internet and the World Wide Web; (b) insure the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; (c) prohibit unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities by minors, (d) prohibit unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and (e) utilize measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors.

New Boston ISD will provide age-appropriate training for students who use the school’s Internet facilities. The training provided will be designed to promote the New Boston ISD’s commitment

to:

• The standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in the New Boston ISD

  Internet Safety / Acceptable Use Policy;

• Student safety with regard to:

  safety on the Internet;
  appropriate behavior while on online, on social networking Web sites,

  and in chat rooms; and
  cyberbullying awareness and response.

• Compliance with the E-rate requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”).

• Following receipt of this training, the student will acknowledge that he/she received the training, understood it, and will follow the provisions of the District's acceptable use policies.

  3. Children’s On-Line Privacy Protection Act

  Students have the right not to give out personal information to commercial website operators as provided by The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. Commercial website operators must get parental consent before collecting any personal information from children under the age of 13. New Boston ISD teachers are allowed to act on behalf of a parent and allow a student to give out personal information under COPPA.

Board Approved: May 21, 2012

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FFF

1. Purpose of Internet Access

Acceptable Use

We are pleased to provide network services for Internet Access for educational purposes and for use in connection with official duties, subject to these Acceptable Use Policies. These services are provided as a privilege to educate the user and this Acceptable Use Policy provides an opportunity to educate the user on the school’s expectations and the responsibilities of the user.

2. Definitions

As used in this document, ”Internet Access,” the “Network” or the “System” refer to Internet Access, E-mail Service and the local area network provided by NBISD. The term “Teacher” includes teachers of the District as well as school librarians and other computer facilities provided for Users of Internet Access. ”User” refers to students or other individuals, including Teachers and other School employees, using the service described herein.

3. Network access

A. Eligibility. All district employees and students in grades K-12 will be granted such Internet Access as deemed appropriate by NBISD. Access to Internet Access is a privilege, not a right.
B. Services provided. NBISD provides access to the World Wide Web (“WWW”), excluding sites blocked by the service provider and/or the school as inappropriate for users and other sites or services prohibited by these guidelines or by teachers. While reasonable efforts will be made to block access to inappropriate materials, this process is an inexact science and the teachers and NBISD provide no guarantee that access to all inappropriate material will be blocked. Other Internet services may be made available from time to time for specific class-related activities under teacher supervision.
C. Agreement to Acceptable Use Guidelines required. No user may use Internet Access until he or she and/or the user’s parent or guardian (if the user is under the age of 18) returns a signed agreement to the school. Student agreements are included in the Student Handbook. District employee agreements are included in the Employee Handbook.
D. Location. There are networked computers (networked meaning the computers that are connected to the Internet, email, personal and shared folders) accessible to students, teachers and staff members in classrooms, computer labs and libraries.

4. Prohibited uses

A. Prohibited service. The following Internet service or uses are prohibited unless expressly approved and supervised by a teacher for a class-related activity: Internet Relay Chat (“IRC”); other “chat” rooms or services; electronic mail “(e-mail”); “free-mail” accounts such as Yahoo! Mail, Hotmail, etc.; Usenet Newsgroups; or any posting of messages on websites which allow the posing of messages. Other services prohibited under this section are File Transfer Protocol (“FTP”); Telnet; archives of Usenet Newsgroups found on the World Wide Web; Listservs; and Gopher. Users may not upload, transfer, download or install software or any executable files without the express permission and supervision of a teacher.
B. Restrictions relating to personal safety. Users may not post personal contact mail addresses, etc., about themselves or other people, except with the express approval of a teacher. Students may not arrange to meet any other person contacted through Internet Access except with the express written approval of teacher and the student’s parent or guardian.
C. Disruption of system, introduction of computer viruses. Users may not engage in any activity that disrupts the System, or other users’ use of the System, including, but not limited to, introducing computer viruses to the System, hacking, bombing, spoofing, spamming or other improper use of the System. Deliberate violations may result in suspension or revocation of an access to the System and/or other disciplinary action.

D. Illegal activities or activities inconsistent with school policy. Users may not use Internet Access for any illegal or improper purposes, including, but not limited to, vandalism, harassment, defamation, libel, attempts to make unauthorized entry into computer systems, or other activities inconsistent with school policy.

E. Impersonation. Users must use their real names and must not send or attempt to send messages that purport to be from some other person or entity.
F. Use of inappropriate language. Users will use only language appropriate for situations as indicated by school codes of conduct.
G. Plagiarism and copyright infringement. Users will properly attribute material they obtain through Internet Access and not infringe the copyrights of others.
H. Access to inappropriate material. Users will not access any material not related to educational purpose of the Internet Access, or attempt to access a site which has been blocked or to which access has been prohibited by their teacher(s) or parent/guardian. Users may not access any material that is obscene or which advocates illegal acts. Users may not access material that advocates discrimination or violence towards other people, except for educational purposes under the direct supervision of a teacher.
I. Commercial activities. Students may not use Internet Access to conduct a business, to offer, provide, buy or sell products or services, or to engage in any other commercial activities.
J. Use by unauthorized users. Users will not allow, encourage or facilitate use of Internet Access by unauthorized users.
K. Encryption. Students may not encrypt communications or files, except as specifically authorized by a teacher.
L. Users may not alter the software or hardware configuration of the computer used for system access in any manner, or attempt to bypass security or filtering systems set in place by NBISD.
M. Users may not initiate communications into the System from other computers (for example, home computers) that are inconsistent with intended purposes of the System or with any of these Acceptable Use Guidelines. These guidelines do not attempt to list all the required or proscribed behaviors by Users. A Student’s use of Internet Access and the System is subject to the supervision and discretion of NBISD and any further restrictions placed on student’s use by parents or guardians, if such restrictions are communicated in writing to the school.

5. Student responsibilities

In addition to observing all the other guidelines and school policies when using Internet Access of the System, students are responsible for:

A. Protection of system security. Students must notify their teacher if they become aware of any problem with or threat to the System and/or Internet Access.
B. Respect for privacy. Users must not post private information about another person or repost a message sent to them privately without the permission of the author of the message.

C. Respect for resource limits and appropriate uses. Users will use the System and/or Internet Access only in a reasonable manner and for purposes described in Section 1.

6. Consequences for inappropriate use

Internet Access is a privilege, not a right. All school policies regarding student conduct extend to student conduct while using Internet Access. Users are responsible for good behavior while using Internet Access and the System just as they are responsible for good behavior in classrooms, hallways and other facilities and grounds of the school. Failure to abide by these Acceptable Use Guidelines may result in suspension or revocation of a student’s access to Internet Access or the System, as well as other disciplinary action appropriate according to school policy, and/or other legal action, in accordance with applicable laws.

7. Privacy limitations

Users have no reasonable expectation of privacy in their use of Internet Access or the System. Teachers or other school officials may, without prior notice, monitor users’ use of Internet Access and the System, including e-mail when use of e-mail is permitted, as well as stored communications and files.

8. Parent/Guardian’s responsibilities

A. Parents or guardians signing this form for a student under the age of 18 years may counsel their children on any further restrictions on their use of Internet Access. Any such restrictions will be observed by the school to the fullest extent, if they are communicated to the school in writing.
B. Parents or guardians signing this form for a student under the age 18 agree to counsel their children on personal safety and responsibility when using Internet Access or the System.

9. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability

NBISD Internet Access and E-mail services are provided on an “as is”, “as available” basis. NBISD makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, including, without limitation, those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any of the Internet services provided by NBISD, including any information obtained through the Internet. This limitation of liability includes loss of data, service delays or interruptions, and is in addition to any other limitations of liability as may be provided by law. NBISD specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through NBISD Internet Access and E-mail services, or for access or receipt by users of inappropriate content. Use of any information obtained through Internet Access and E-mail services is at the participant and user’s own risk.

10. Indemnification

Students and their parents or guardians agree to indemnify and hold the School, Teachers, and their affiliates, officers, agents, or partners, and employees, harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, due to or arising out of use or misuse of Internet Access by any student or other user, or arising from any user’s violation of these Acceptable Use Guidelines.

Board Approved.

Internet Safety

Internet Today

Almost all children today have access to the Internet through schools, libraries, community centers, or their home. And most 8 to 18-year-olds, 74 percent, have Internet access from their home computers according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Not only do more children have access to the Internet than ever before, but they are using it more, too. Many schools incorporate the Internet into their curricula and encourage online research for projects. But that’s not all kids are doing online. They also email, chat with friends through instant messenger and in chat rooms, play games, create websites and web blogs, and just surf the ‘net.

Even as kids grow savvier in their use of the Internet, it can still be a dangerous place. The good news is that most dangers can be avoided if children and their parents learn about smart Internet use. 

Under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA, 2000), New Boston ISD is required to inform parents and students of the use of filtering technologies to block students’ access to inappropriate web sites. To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. It is the responsibility of all New Boston ISD staff to educate, supervise and monitor use of the online computer network and access to the Internet at all times. New Boston ISD will provide age-appropriate training for students who use the school’s Internet facilities with regard to safety on the Internet, appropriate behavior while on online, on social networking Web sites, and in chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response.

New Boston ISD provides Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship training in technology classes, using materials aligned with Technology Applications TEKS and online training sources such as Netsmartz.org, thesafeside.com, and the adopted technology online curriculum from learning.com. For more information on Internet Safety, visit the links below,

 

Internet Safety Education Resources

New Boston ISD addresses Internet Safety and the Acceptable Use of the Internet and district's computer network with it's Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy. The Internet Safety section outlines the district's responsibility and commitment to provide a safe environment for our students to access online information and filter content harmful to minors to the extent possible. The Acceptable Use section defines network access and student responsibilites and outlines prohibited uses of the network and its consequences. Follow the link below to read the policy in its entirety. 

 

Netsmartz.org - NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) that provides age-appropriate resources to help teach children how to be safer on- and offline. The program is designed for children ages 5-17, parents and guardians, educators, and law enforcement. With resources such as videos, games, activity cards, and presentations, NetSmartz entertains while it educates.

Visit Netsmartz Workshop

 

Basic Internet Safety for Kids - The Internet can be a wonderful resource for kids. They can use it to research school reports, communicate with teachers and other kids, and play interactive games. Kids who are old enough to punch in a few letters on the keyboard can literally access the world.

Visit Teens Internet Safety or Saty Safe Online for more information.

 

Social Networking - Social networking sites, chat rooms, virtual worlds, and blogs are how teens and tweens socialize online; it's important to help your child learn how to navigate these spaces safely. Among the pitfalls that come with online socializing are sharing too much information or posting comments, photos, or videos that can damage a reputation or hurt someone's feelings. Applying real-world judgment can help minimize those risks.

Visit Kids online  for tips to safe social networking.

 

Chat Rooms and Instant Messaging - A study from the Pew Internet & American Life Project shows that teens (ages 12-17) use text messaging to communicate with their friends more than e-mail or instant messaging (IM). However, these online communication services, along with chat rooms, continue to be an important part of children’s online interactions. E-mail accounts, for example, are often necessary to join social networking sites, online games, and virtual worlds. Social networking sites, like Facebook, often have IM and e-mail components.

E-mail, IM, and chat room programs let children communicate with friends and family members. They can also allow children to connect with people that they have never met in person, making them vulnerable to online predators, cyberbullies, and scam artists. Knowing a little about each of these communication services, and the associated risks, can help parents, guardians, and other trusted adults keep children safer while online.

 

Cyberbullying - Cyberbullying is when a minor uses the Internet, mobile phone, or other digital media to target another child in any negative manner like sending hurtful messages, posting information, pictures, or videos to damage reputations or firendships. If an adult is involved and not just minors, it then becomes cyber-harassment or cyberstalking. Gone are the days when a child’s home is a refuge from playground or neighborhood bullies. The Internet is the new playground, and there are no off-hours. Tech-savvy students are turning to cyberspace to harass their peers using a new method of bullying—cyberbullying.

The popularity of instant messaging, e-mail, web pages, text messaging, and blogging means that kids are potential targets—all day, every day. Victimization on the Internet through cyberbullying is increasing in frequency and scope. Electronic bullies can remain “virtually” anonymous. Temporary e-mail accounts and pseudonyms in chat rooms, instant messaging programs, and other Internet venues can make it very difficult for adolescents to determine the identity of aggressors. Individuals now have the ability to hide behind some measure of anonymity when using their personal computer or cellular phone to bully another individual.

Learn more about identifying and protecting yourself and others from cyberbullying by visiting internetsafety101.

 

Additional Resources -

Digital Activities for Middle & High School Students: Commonsens

Texas Education Agency Internet Safety Resources: learning-support

Texas School Safety Center’s School Safety Toolkit: /parent-safety

Department of Education – Educational Technology: Tech Ed

Texas Attorney General – Cyber Safety: Cyber Safety

FBI’s Parents Guide to Internet Safety: Publications

FBI’s Safe Online Surfing: Publications

Parenting, Media, and Everything in Between: Articles

PBS Kids Online Safety Tips For Parents: Online Safety Tips

ConnectSafely – Online Safety, Privacy, Security and Digital Wellness: Connect Safety