ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR SCHOOL INTERNET USE

AIM:

• 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.
• Before signing, the AUP should be read carefully to ensure that the conditions of use are accepted and understood.

It is envisaged that school and parent representatives will revise the AUP as needs arise.

SCHOOL STRATEGY:

The school will employ a number of strategies in order to maximise learning opportunities and reduce risks associated with the Internet.

These strategies are as follows:

• The school is part of the Schools Broadband Programme, which provides the school with a connection to the Internet with special restrictions in place and a content filter.
• Internet and online use by pupils will be under the supervision of school staff.
• The school will regularly monitor pupils’ Internet usage.
• 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, by a pupil, requires a teacher’s permission and is generally not given.
• Students will not undertake any actions that may bring the school into disrepute.

DEFINITION OF USE OF WWW

• Students will never access the WWW without supervision.
• Students will not visit Internet sites that contain obscene, illegal hateful or otherwise objectionable materials.
• Students will use the Internet for educational purposes only.
• Students will be familiar with copyright issues relating to online learning.
• Students will be aware that any usage, including distributing or receiving information school – related or personal, may be monitored for unusual activity, security and / or network management reasons.

DEFINITION OF USE OF E-MAIL

• Students will only send or receive e mails as part of e mailing projects
• Students will not reveal their own or other people’s personal details, such as address or telephone numbers or pictures.
• Users will note that sending and receiving of e mail attachments is subject to permission from the administrator.
• Usernames will be used to avoid disclosure of identity.

DEFINITION OF USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING

Staff or Students will not have access to chat rooms, discussion forums, social networking sites or any other electronic communication forums.

DEFINITION OF USE OF SCHOOL WEBSITE

• Students may be given an opportunity to publish projects, artwork or school work on the World Wide Web.
• The publication of student work will be co-ordinated by school staff.
• Pupils’ work will appear in an educational context on web pages.
• Digital photographs, audio or video clips of individual students will not be published on the school website. Instead photographs, audio clips and video clips will focus on group activities. Names will not be published with photos.
• Personal pupil information including home address and contact details will be omitted from the school website.
• The school will own the copyright on any work published.

DEFINITION OF USE OF DIGITAL MEDIA

• Pupils may be given the opportunity to be included on our website, through the use of digital images and videos.
• Images and videos may also be used for classroom presentations.
• The school may use digital photographs, audio or video clips that focus on the activities of groups of pupils.
• Video clips may be password protected.

SANCTIONS

Misuse of the Internet may result in disciplinary action, including written warnings, withdrawal of access  / privileges and, in extreme cases, suspension.  The school also reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities.

LEGISLATION:*

The school will provide information on the following legislation relating to the use of the Internet which staff, students and parents should familiarise themselves with:

The Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998

1993 Interception Act

Video Recordings Act 1989

The Data Protection Act 1988

Support Structures:

The school will inform students and parents of key support structures and organisations that deal with illegal material or harmful use of the Internet.

There is no specific legislation governing Internet safety at school level. Complicating this issue is the fact that the Internet functions on a global context whereas the law operates in a localised one. There are however, a number of legislations that have relevance to Internet safety.