Internet Acceptable User Policy
INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USER POLICY
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT
St. John’s N.S wishes to give its students limited access to the Internet, which has potential benefits as a learning tool.
AIM
The aim of this 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 Therefore if this policy is not adhered to this privilege will be withdrawn and the appropriate sanctions will be imposed.
PROCEDURES
- 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.
This includes software provided by the school and the NCTE.
- Pupils Internet usage will be monitored.
- Students and teacher will be made aware of Internet safety guidelines as outlined by The National Centre for Technology and Education. Information seminars are organised by Parents Association on a regular basis to ensure that parents of pupils are familiar with internet safety. Guidelines for parents and teachers are available on www.webwise.ie
- Uploading or downloading of non-approved material will not be permitted.
- Virus protection software will be used on all computers and laptops.
- The use of personal CD-ROM’s in school is forbidden.
- Only teachers have access to the Internet password/wi-fi password.
- 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.
- Students will use the Internet for educational purposes only.
- No personal e-mail accounts to be used by the pupils. If the need occurs students will use approved e-mail accounts under supervision by the class teacher
- Students will not reveal their own or other people’s personal details e.g. telephone numbers.
- No chat rooms will be accessed.
- Students are not allowed to bring or use mobile phones in St. John’s N.S. so access to the internet on mobile phones is strictly forbidden.
- The school reserves the right to discipline students for actions taken off campus if they are intended to have an effect on a student or they adversely affect the safety and well-being of a student while in school.
SANCTIONS
Misuse of the Internet will result in disciplinary action as outlined in the school Code of Discipline.
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. Parents will be provided with the addresses of the relevant websites.
CONCLUSION
It is envisaged that school and parent representatives will revise the AUP annually. Before signing, the AUP should be read carefully to indicate that the conditions of use are accepted and understood.