IT Acceptable Use Policy

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I.T Acceptable Use/ Photograph 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.

 School’s Strategy

The school will employ the following 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 a teacher.
• Filtering software will be used in order to minimise the risk of exposure to inappropriate material.
• Students will be provided with training in the area of Internet safety.
• Virus protection software will be used and updated on a regular basis.
• Students will observe good “netiquette” (i.e., etiquette on the Internet) at all times and will not undertake any actions that may bring the school into disrepute.

 

World Wide Web

• Students will use the Internet for educational purposes only.
• Students will never disclose or publicise personal information.

Email

• Students will use email only under the direction of the class teacher.
• Students will not send or receive any material that is illegal, obscene, 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.

Forums

• All Communications with outside forums will only be used for educational purposes. All communication with outside forums will be conducted only under the direction of the teacher.

 

School Website

• Pupils will be given the opportunity to publish projects, artwork or school work on the World Wide Web.
• The publication of student work will be co-ordinated by Mr. Tobin.
• Pupils’ work will appear in an educational context on Web pages with a copyright notice prohibiting the copying of such work without express written permission.
• Digital photographs, audio or video clips of individual students will not be published on the school website. Instead photographs, audio and video clips will focus on group activities. Personal pupil information including home address and contact details will be omitted from school web pages.

 

Legislation

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

• Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003
• Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998
• Interception Act 1993
• Video Recordings Act 1989
• The Data Protection Act 1988

 

Sanctions

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

 

Permission Form

 (to be completed and returned to school.)

 

Name of Pupil:  ______________________.  Class:_________

 

Parent/Guardian

As the parent or legal guardian of the above pupil, I have read the Acceptable Use Policy and grant permission for my son or daughter or the child in my care to access the Internet. I understand that Internet access is intended for educational purposes. I also understand that every reasonable precaution has been taken by the school to provide for online safety but the school cannot be held responsible if pupils access unsuitable websites.

I accept the above paragraph □  I do not accept the above paragraph □

(Please tick as appropriate)

In relation to the school website, I accept that, if the school considers it appropriate, my child’s schoolwork may be chosen for inclusion on the website. I understand and accept the terms of the Acceptable Use Policy relating to publishing children’s work on the school website.

I accept the above paragraph □    do not accept the above paragraph □

(Please tick as appropriate)

Use of photographs in the Print Media.

I understand that photographs of pupils and their work will be taken during the year as teachers complete curriculum profiles. Photographs of school groups at school functions are used to promote various aspects of school life in the print media. I am happy to allow publication of such ‘group photographs’ which may include my child, in local community magazines, local and national papers .

I accept the above paragraph    I do not accept   

                                            ( Please tick as appropriate)

Signature: _____________________     Date:_____________