Due to the COPPA law (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act), many websites require users under the age of 13, and sometimes under the age of 18, to obtain parent permission before creating an individual online account. Depending on the site, the Terms of Use generally may ask that the permission come in the form of signed forms, credit cards, etc. Many sites have great educational value and because asking parents to repeatedly submit permission forms is burdensome, the Holland Patent CSD's beginning of year parent permission form now contains a provision for school administrators to authorize the use of certain sites without each student obtaining parental permission.

 Teachers and parents should note that some sites do not allow children under the age of 13 to create accounts regardless of parental permission. Regardless of permissions, student names and any personal information should not be entered into any online resources that is not approved by the District.