We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the lack of effective controls over Internet access for elementary-aged students within Chesapeake Public Schools.

Children at this age should not be freely exposed to open Internet platforms such as YouTube or similar sites.  The level of Internet access must be grade-appropriate and carefully monitored to ensure that school-issued devices are used for educational purposes only.

It is unacceptable that students can currently access and freely roam on youtube while parents are left out of the decision entirely regarding what their child is viewing/learning.  Parents have the right and responsibility to determine what is or isn’t appropriate for their child to view, and we expect Chesapeake Public Schools to honor that right by enforcing clear, protective Internet-use guidelines.

Requested Actions

We respectfully ask that the district take immediate and visible action to:

1.    Restrict Access to open Internet platforms such as YouTube and similar sites for elementary school students.

2.    Implement and enforce district-level guidelines stating that student school-issued laptops and devices are to be used for school-related content only.

3.    Establish uniform, district-wide Internet safety standards to include the above requests, removing the burden of decision-making from individual teachers or schools and ensuring consistent protection for both students and teachers.

We urge the Chesapeake School Board to act swiftly to implement stronger Internet access controls, provide clear expectation for staff and students, and protect both children and teachers from the risks of unmonitored online exposure.

Taking these requested actions supports Chesapeake Public Schools’ Internet Safety Statement, which states that “Chesapeake Public Schools is committed to providing a safe and secure digital environment for all students, faculty, and staff.”  We respectfully ask that Chesapeake Public Schools take immediate steps to make that commitment a reality.