A printable version of this document can be found here.
Dear Computer Club Parents and Participants:
The Computer Club (“Club”) is a community benefit organization dedicated to supporting our kids and parents (“Club Members”) in learning about technology topics in computers and electronics including robotics and programming as well as to learn about fabrication of objects as a part of projects.
To accomplish this goal, certain internet based resources and tools will be required. We recognize that communication between our club leaders and Club Members is critical to the success of the Club.
The purpose of this parental consent form is to request your consent for the use of both accounts and tools. This consent form also addresses liability and indemnification. The Computer Club will update this and other documents periodically and share them with you annually. While your participation in Club activities constitutes your consent and agreement, we prefer to have a signed copy from you.
Services Available to Club Members:
Cloud 9:
Cloud9 provides a development environment in the cloud that allows developers to get started with coding immediately and collaborate with their peers.
The Cloud9 Terms of Service can be found here: https://c9.io/site/terms-of-service
Cloud9 indicates that a person cannot use the service if they are not of legal age to form a binding contract. In California, the “Age of Majority” is 18.
Discord:
Discord is a voice, video and instant messaging application that allows users to collaborate with each other within the group as well as with other users outside of the group using the service.
The Discord Terms of Service can be found here: https://discordapp.com/terms
Discord indicates that the minimum age for an individual account is 13. Many our our Club Members are not yet 13.
Google Accounts:
Google Accounts provide a unique login account to Club Members to create, edit and share documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, provides access to other services such as personal eMail, calendar and contact applications, Instant Messaging and Video using Google Hangouts, and website creation tools (Google Sites) and Blogging (Blogger) and provide a place to store all of their files with Google Drive. Google Drive can allow Club Members to collaborate with and share information with each other as well as Club leadership. Additionally, a Google Account can provide access to public internet sites such as Google+ and YouTube as well as other services.
The Google Terms of Service can be found here: https://www.google.com/policies/terms/
Google indicates that the minimum age for an individual account is 13. Many our our Club members are not 13. The Computer Club does not require that a Google Account be created. For any service that may use a Google account, the Club Member’s school provided Google account may be used if it is not restricted.
Google Apps for Education provides a slightly different Terms of Service that may be negotiated by a Club Member’s school.
Google CS-First:
CS First is a free program that increases student access and exposure to computer science (CS) education. CS provides anonymous accounts to Club Members that can also be used for accessing Scratch.
GitHub:
GitHub is a service intended for hosting and sharing source code repositories that use the Git command line tool.
The GitHub Terms of Service can be found here: https://help.github.com/articles/github-terms-of-service/
GitHub indicates that the minimum age for an individual account is 13. Many our our Club Members are not yet 13.
Facebook:
Facebook is an Internet based social networking platform that allows users to post and read messages, images and videos, make and receive Internet based video and audio only calls and to connect with other Facebook users on the Internet.
The Facebook Terms of Service can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/terms
Facebook’s Terms of Service does not indicate a minimum age in its Terms. However, should you attempt to register for an account, Facebook currently asks for the year of birth. If the year of birth is provided is under a certain threshold, Facebook will not permit the registration of the account and state “You are ineligible to register for Facebook.”
LastPass
LastPass is a password management service. It securely stores your passwords in their environment and provides a browser plug-in to permit it to capture passwords from and auto-fill passwords into your browswer. LastPass is a subsidiary of LogMeIn.
The LastPass Terms of Service can be found here: https://secure.logmein.com/home/policies/terms-and-conditions
LastPass indicates that to use the software, you must accept the Terms of Service and represent that you are of legal age and have the authority to bind the Customer to the Order, these Terms, and the applicable Service Descriptions (collectively the “Agreement”). In California, this means the “Age of Majority” which is 18.
Scratch:
Scratch (https://scratch.mit.edu/) is a programming language and an online community where children can program and share interactive media such as stories, games, and animation with people from all over the world. As children create with Scratch, they learn to think creatively, work collaboratively, and reason systematically. Scratch is designed and maintained by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab.
The Scratch Terms of Use can be found here: https://scratch.mit.edu/terms_of_use/
There are currently no age restrictions indicated within the Scratch terms of use.
Slack:
Slack is a cloud-based team collaboration tool where messages, files and images can be shared with a team. Slack can also provide voice and video services for team collaboration.
The Slack Terms of Service can be found here: https://slack.com/terms-of-service
Slack indicates that its services are not directed toward persons under the age of 13 and as such those under the age of 13 are not permitted to use Slack.
Skype:
Skype is a cloud-based tool from Microsoft where users can communicate via instant messaging, make or receive voice and video calls to one or many people on the Internet.
The Skype Terms of Use can be found here: https://www.skype.com/en/legal/tou-connect/
Skype indicates that to use the software, you must be able to Accept the Terms of Use and further clarifies that you cannot accept the Terms of Use if you are not of legal age to form a binding agreement with Skype. In California, this means the “Age of Majority” which is 18.
Trello:
Trello is a cloud-based tool from Atlassian where users can create to-do lists using text, video, sound, and images.
The Trello Terms of Use can be found here: https://trello.com/legal
Trello indicates that the service is for users 13 or older and further indicates “Trello is not directed to children, and we expect that any use by children will only be done with the guidance, supervision and consent of their parents, guardians and/or authorized school officials. Trello relies on parents and guardians to ensure that minors only use Trello if they can understand their rights and responsibilities as laid out in these Terms of Service and in our Privacy Policy.”
Security:
The Computer Club uses Google Apps for storing information about the Club and its members for the purposes of administering the Club. The Computer Club cannot and does not guarantee the security of electronic files located on any electronic system. However, The Computer Club leverages all common and reasonable protections for information including password access, multi-factor authentication and logging.
Privacy:
"Personal Information" for purposes of this Policy means any information that specifically identifies a Club Member, such as a name, street address, phone number, or e-mail address.
Your child’s information is protected by the following Federal Laws:
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) http://www.ftc.gov/privacy/coppafaqs.shtm.
COPPA applies to commercial companies and limits their ability to collect and use personal information from children under 13. The Computer Club, therefore, must comply with COPPA and this form serves in maintaining compliance with COPPA.
To help ensure that we comply, we encourage program participants to not place any personally identifiable information on the Internet, either as data, or a named account using their actual names. Further, The Computer Club will not publicly post pictures of club members. Pictures or videos taken at Computer Club meetings or events may be shared with members within the Facebook private group via Google Photos via unlisted shared links.
Waiver of Liability:
In consideration of being permitted to participate in any way in The Computer Club activities, you, for yourself, your heirs, personal representatives or assigns, do hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue The Computer Club, its officers, employees, and agents from liability from any and all claims including the negligence of The Computer Club, its officers, employees and agents, resulting in personal injury, accidents or illnesses (including death), and property loss arising from, but not limited to, participation in The Computer Club Activities and Projects.
Assumption of Risks:
Participation in The Computer Club Activities and Projects carries with it certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. The specific risks vary from one activity to another, but the risks range from 1) minor injuries such as scratches, bruises, and sprains; 2) major injuries such as eye injury or loss of sight, joint or back injuries, heart attacks, and concussions; and 3) catastrophic injuries including paralysis and death.
By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read the previous paragraphs and you know, understand, and appreciate these and other risks that are inherent in The Computer Club Activities and Projects. You hereby assert that your and your child’s participation is voluntary and that you knowingly assume all such risks.
Indemnification and Hold Harmless:
You also agree to INDEMNIFY AND HOLD The Computer Club HARMLESS from any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities, including attorney’s fees brought as a result of your and your child’s involvement in The Computer Club Activities and Projects, and to reimburse them for any such expenses incurred.
Severability:
The undersigned further expressly agrees that the foregoing Waiver and Assumption of Risk Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of California and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
Acknowledgment of Understanding:
By signing below, I, as a parent of a participant acknowledge that I have received this information and agree that any accounts created are created for my use and that I will supervise my child’s activities using any account created for the purposes of participation in The Computer Club. I further acknowledge that no account is required to be created for participation in The Computer Club.
I have read this Parental Consent, Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement, fully understand its terms, and understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to sue. I acknowledge that I am signing the agreement freely and voluntarily, and intend by my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.
The Computer Club Member Name: (Print)______________________________________
Parent / Guardian Name (Print)_______________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:__________________________________________________
Date:_________________