Middle schools require that online access must be for educational purposes only. All research and communication conducted through the school's server must be middle school age appropriate, safe, and responsible. Allowing free Internet access to students is necessary, as often the Internet is a necessary tool for projects or research. Because of the high value of technology in today's society, it is important for students to develop computer and Internet literacy to prepare for adulthood.
The FCC requires that schools adopt Internet use policies that uphold standards set by the Children's Internet Protection Act. The CIPA states that technology protection measures must restrict access to obscene, potentially harmful, or inappropriate websites. Schools must also monitor online activity, and enact a safety policy that restricts inappropriate online content.
Although schools implement filters to restrict Internet access, there is still the risk of a student accessing inappropriate or unauthorized material. In addition, this access also increases the risk of plagiarism on assignments and harassment between students. Students must learn the standards of school network etiquette, as well as the repercussions for breaking the rules.
Users of the computer network often have to sign agreement forms which state that each individual is responsible for his own behavior online. In addition, parents sometimes must sign a permission form to allow their son or daughter to go online at school. Online access may be monitored by the school, and behavior can be linked back to a student's login I.D. Some schools place other restrictions on web use, such as mandating that the Internet cannot be used for commercial or political reasons