We want to inform our families and staff about how YouTube is used across our district. We know YouTube can be a fantastic resource with great how-to guides, educational content, and sometimes, even some fun “internet wormholes”! However, it also comes with challenges like potential distractions and content that isn’t always suitable for students.

A big part of our responsibility is protecting your child’s privacy and ensuring we meet all guidelines, especially FERPA. The challenge with platforms like YouTube is that outside companies manage them, and their privacy policies can change without our control or input. Unfortunately, YouTube’s privacy policy doesn’t fully align with our student information and privacy regulations.

Because of this, we will be limiting student access to YouTube on our network, effective on the last day of school. This change will apply not only when students are on our network but also to their student Chromebooks.

We assure you that teachers can still access and use YouTube for classroom work and share appropriate content with students as part of their lessons.

This step is vital to maintaining compliance and securing your students’ data. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we make this necessary adjustment.

• HPS Technology Department