Student working at her Chromebook

Technology

Keeping students safe online 

Chesterfield County Public Schools uses a layered approach to student internet safety. Protections include web filtering, managed Chromebooks, approved application controls, Google Workspace safeguards, classroom tools, student safety monitoring and acceptable use expectations. 

No single tool can address every situation. Student internet safety is strongest when technical safeguards are paired with teacher supervision, student responsibility, school follow-up, family partnership and ongoing review.

Internet filtering

The school system filters student internet access to reduce access to inappropriate, harmful, unsafe or noninstructional content. Filtering rules are different for elementary students, secondary students and staff.

Student filtering is connected to the student’s account. This means student filtering applies whether a student is using a division Chromebook at school or away from school. The school system uses web filtering to review internet requests based on content categories and site reputation. Websites may be blocked because they fall into a blocked category, are uncategorized or have a reputation score that indicates potential risk.

Managed student Chromebooks

Chesterfield County Public Schools centrally manages student Chromebooks in order to apply consistent safety and device settings. Here are examples of student safeguards that reduce risk and support appropriate use of division devices and accounts:

  • The school system manages student Chromebook settings.

  • Students may only select preapproved applications from the app store.

  • Student internet activity is routed through the division’s web filter.

  • Students cannot delete their browsing history.

  • Student Google Workspace sharing is limited to Chesterfield County Public Schools users.

Two boys working on a computer

Approved applications and digital resources

There are many software and web-based applications available for instructional use. These tools vary in quality, privacy practices, security, accessibility, technical compatibility and instructional value. For that reason, the school system reviews applications before they are used with students. Applications may go through instructional, technical and legal review. Staff are expected to verify that an application has been reviewed and is listed as approved or approved with consideration before using it with students.

The school system maintains an internal application hub for staff members. The application hub includes guidance, terminology, approved application inventory, searchable database, request process for application review and information about application support.

Some approved applications are supported at the division level. Other applications may be approved for use but not receive the same level of division support for training, troubleshooting, rostering or integration.

teenager working on pc

Student data privacy

Student data privacy is part of the school system’s application review process. When digital tools are reviewed, the division considers how student information may be collected, stored, shared, protected and used.

Chesterfield County Public Schools also uses student data privacy resources and agreements, including resources connected to the Student Data Privacy Consortium, Student Data Privacy Alliance and National Data Privacy Agreement. These resources help school divisions and vendors establish common expectations for protecting student information.

Classroom tools for teachers

In grades 3-12, Chesterfield County Public Schools uses Hāpara to support classroom management when students use Chromebooks for instruction. Hāpara allows teachers to:

  • view student Chromebook screens during instruction

  • guide students during digital work

  • message students

  • use focused browsing to limit students to specific websites or resources during a lesson

Digital citizenship education

Chesterfield County Public Schools provides digital citizenship instruction to K-12 students. Students complete age-appropriate lessons each year with their teachers to help them make safe, responsible and informed choices when using technology. Lessons address topics such as:

  • media balance and digital well-being

  • privacy and security

  • digital footprints and online identity

  • relationships and online communication

  • cyberbullying, digital conflict and harmful online behavior

  • news and media literacy

  • the responsible and thoughtful use of artificial intelligence

Lesson content and examples are adjusted by grade level so that students can build their understanding as they grow. Instruction is intended to help students recognize online risks, protect personal information, evaluate digital content, communicate responsibly and understand how their choices can affect themselves and others.

Online Safety