Internet Acceptable Use Policy & 

Mobile Phone and Electronic Games 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. This privilege will be introduced to 1st– 6th class pupils. If the school AUP is not adhered to, this privilege will be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions – as outlined in the AUP will be imposed. This AUP will be revised regularly.

 

Our School’s Strategies

 

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

 

 

  • Internet sessions will always be supervised by a teacher.

 

  • 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 USB keys or CD-ROMs in school requires a teacher’s permission.
  • 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 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 on-line learning.
  • Students will never disclose or publicise personal information.
  • 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.

 

E-Mail

  • Students will use approved class e-mail accounts under supervision by or permission from a 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.
  •  Students will never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone.
  •  Students will note that sending and receiving e-mail attachments is subject to permission from their teacher.

 

Internet Chat

  • Students will only have access to chat rooms, discussion forums 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 purpose and will always be supervised
  •  Usernames will be used to avoid disclosure of identity.
  •  Face-to-face meetings with someone organised via Internet chat will be forbidden.
  •  Use of social networking sites to invoke anti pupil or anti-teacher campaigns will be treated as serious misdemeanours and will be dealt with according to the School Code of Behaviour

 

School Website:

We use or website to promote our school by publishing school events. We also use it to keep our parents informed and updated of school events. We post photographs after events have taken place.

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.

 

 Mobile Phone and Electronic Games Policy

 Introductory Statement:

This policy was drawn up in response to technological advances, which have seen a significant increase in hand held electronic ‘gadgets’ amongst the school population over recent years.

Rationale:

  •  IPods, mobile phones, Game Boys, PSP’s, MP3’s etc. are intrusive and distracting in a school environment
  •  Some electronic devices may be harmful due to frequent use
  • Mobile phones may be used to conduct bullying campaigns

 

 Relationship to School Ethos:

The use of mobile phones and other electronic games contravenes the provision of a safe and secure school environment and is not conducive to learning – a provision which is central to the mission statement and ethos of St Cronan’s N.S.

Aims:

v     To ensure a “technology appropriate” school environment

v     To lessen intrusions on and distractions to children’s learning

Internal School Procedures:

The following are the guidelines for mobile phone/electronic games usage in the school;

  •  Pupils are not allowed to bring mobile phones into school.
  •  Children who need to contact home during school hours may do so through the school secretary using the school landline phone
  •  All electronic gadgets are banned,
  •  Any pupil who brings a mobile phone or electronic game to school risks having it confiscated and not returned until the term is over

Roles and Responsibilities:

All staffs share in the co-ordination and implementation of this policy. This policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and amendments added as new technology comes on stream.

Having read this Policy please sign the attached form and return it to the school.