Change to Instagram Access on HCPSS Instructional Network on Feb. 26, 2024

February 20th, 2024

After careful consideration of the impact of social media on student well-being and academic focus, as well as Instagram terms of use, effective Monday, Feb. 26, Instagram will be blocked on the instructional network at all times for elementary and middle schools, and during the instructional day (7:50 a.m. – 2:35 p.m.) at the high school level. High school students will have access before and after the school day to allow school-sponsored groups, teams, and clubs to use Instagram to communicate responsibly with their peers. This new restriction impacts all devices connected to the instructional network and is not limited to HCPSS-issued Chromebooks.

In addition to the change in Instagram access, beginning Wednesday, Feb. 21, parents/guardians may select to receive automated weekly emails summarizing their student’s HCPSS Chromebook internet usage. The same email contains an option to sign up for the Lightspeed Parent Portal, which provides near real-time information on their student’s HCPSS Chromebook internet activity, the ability to pause web browsing and block social media sites when not on the HCPSS network, and more.