COPPA Law restricts the use of many web2.0 tools in our schools.  This law does not prohibit the use of tools by students but in most cases only requires that students have parent consent.  Some school districts do this with a blanket waiver policy that gives the teacher parental rights in this regard, others require students to always seek parental consent for students under 13 to use any tool, and other schools block the use of these tools altogether.  The identifiers below indicate how tools in the Digital Backpack are regulated regarding the COPPA Law. 

- Free Access, COPPA does not apply and there are no age restrictions in the company Terms of Service agreement.

- TOS does not specify any age requirements but an email address is needed to create an account.  These sites may fall under the over 13 rule but.

- Students under the age of 13 must get parental consent to have an account and use this tool according to the Terms of Service and in compliance with COPA.

- Company has extended the age level to 18 under ther Terms of Service.  Students under 18 must get parental permission before using this tool.

Important note:  These age restrictions do not prohibit minors from using these tools, they only requrie parental consent.  Parents who give consent and teachers acting on their behalf are higly encouraged to monitor student activity on these sites.

For a listing of sites/tools appropriate for students under 13 years of age, according to COPPA, click here.