Acceptable Use Policy

The aim of this Acceptable Use Policy is to ensure that pupils will benefit from learning opportunities offered by the school’s Internet resources in a safe and effective manner. Internet use and access is considered a school resource and privilege. Therefore, if the school AUP is not adhered to this privilege will be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions – as outlined in the AUP – will be imposed.

It is envisaged that school and parent representatives will revise the AUP annually. Before signing, the AUP should be read carefully to ensure that the conditions of use are accepted and understood.

School’s Strategy

The school employs a number of strategies in order to maximise learning opportunities and reduce risks associated with the Internet. These strategies are as follows:

General

• Internet sessions will always be supervised by an adult.
• Filtering software and/or equivalent systems will be used in order to minimise the risk of exposure to inappropriate material.
• The school will regularly monitor pupils’ Internet usage.
• Students and teachers will be provided with training in the area of Internet safety.
• Uploading and downloading of non-approved software will not be permitted.
• Virus protection software will be used and updated on a regular basis.
• The use of personal memory sticks, CD-ROMs, or other digital storage media in school requires a teacher’s permission.
• Students will treat others with respect at all times and will not undertake any actions that may bring the school into disrepute.

 

• Students will not intentionally visit Internet sites that contain obscene, illegal, hateful or otherwise objectionable materials.
• Students will report accidental accessing of inappropriate materials in accordance with school procedures.
• Students will use the Internet for educational purposes only.
• Students will never disclose or publicise personal information.
• Downloading materials or images not relevant to the student’s studies, is in direct breach of the school’s acceptable use policy.
• Students will be aware that any usage, including distributing or receiving information, school-related or personal, may be monitored.

 

• Students will use approved class email accounts under supervision by or permission from a teacher.
• Students will not send or receive any material that is illegal, obscene, and defamatory or that is intended to annoy or intimidate another person.
• Students will not reveal their own or other people’s personal details, such as addresses or telephone numbers or pictures.
• Students will never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they only know through emails or the internet. (excluding educational projects organised by the teacher)
• Students will note that sending and receiving email attachments is subject to permission from their teacher.

 

• Students will only have access to chat rooms, discussion forums, messaging or other electronic communication forums that have been approved by the school.
• Chat rooms, discussion forums and other electronic communication forums will only be used for educational purposes and will always be supervised.
• Usernames will be used to avoid disclosure of identity.