Children's Online Privacy Protection Act Use of the Internet by children is a divisive issue. While many parents and schools would like to allow children to access the wealth of material mounted by reputable services and institutions, there is a concern for the safety of individuals using Web sites. Web users can be anonymous and children must be careful about the information they divulge on Web pages and in discussion areas, such as chat rooms. The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) was passed to help safeguard children as they use the Web. Central to this legislation is the information that may be collected from children as they use the Internet. Web sites that target children under age 13 must follow guidelines regarding the collecting of personal information. These Web sites must limit the detail of information they collect from children and must post notice about the information they collect and how that information is used. The Legislation While schools have the safety concerns of their students in the forefront, Web service providers must follow COPPA guidelines. Schools not only have to address this issue in developing Web sites but should take steps to inform teachers and students of these guidelines so they become more responsible "cybercitizens." For further information, view highlights of this legislation as it relates to educational technology use in schools review the full text of COPPA from the Federal Trade Commission