School Name: C.B.S. Primary
Address: Mitchelstown, Co. Cork.
AUP Review January 2022
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 Therefore, if the school AUP is not adhered to, this privilege will be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions – as outlined in the AUP – will be imposed.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 will revise the AUP annually. Before signing, the AUP should be read carefully by Parent(s)/Guardian(s), to ensure that the conditions of use are accepted and understood.
This Policy was most recently reviewed in January 2022
Amendments were made in the light of Distance Learning Methodologies which may be employed as a result of school closures.
School’s StrategyThe 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 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 by checking history.
- 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 on PCs and iPads.
- Virus protection software will be used and updated on a regular basis.
- The use of personally owned memory sticks, CD-ROMs, or other digital storage media in school requires a teacher’s permission.
- Teacher’s permission will be obtained prior to a pupil opening emails, particularly emails with attachments.
- Students will treat others with respect at all times and will not undertake any actions that may bring the school into disrepute.
World Wide Web
- 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 not copy information into assignments without acknowledging the source (plagiarism and copyright infringement).
- Students will never disclose or publicise personal information.
- Downloading materials or images not relevant to their 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 for unusual activity, security and/or network management reasons.
- Teachers will research any YouTube videos, prior to class usage.
- Students will use approved class g-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 they only know through emails or the internet.
- 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 fora 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.
- Face-to-face meetings with someone organised via Internet chat will be forbidden.
School Website/Twitter
- Pupils will be given the opportunity to publish projects, artwork or school work on the World Wide Web in accordance with clear policies and approval processes regarding the content that can be loaded to the school’s website.
- The website will be regularly checked to ensure that there is no content that compromises the safety of pupils or staff.
- Website using facilities such as guest books, notice boards or weblogs will be checked frequently, to ensure that they do not contain personal details. (Not currently activated)
- The publication of student work will be co-ordinated by a teacher.
- 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.
- The school will endeavour to use digital photographs, audio or video clips focusing on group activities. Content focusing on individual students will not be published on the school website without parental permission. Video clips may be password protected if this is deemed necessary.
- Personal pupil information including home address and contact details will be omitted from school web pages. A pupil’s first name only will accompany a picture - generally no names are mentioned.
- The school website will avoid publishing both the first name and last name of individuals in a photograph.
- The school will ensure that the image files are appropriately named – will not use pupils’ names in image file names or ALT tags if published on the web.
- Pupils will continue to own the copyright on any work published.
The purpose having of a school Facebook page is to provide;
- Communication with parents regarding specific events & activities
- Communication with new or prospective parents
- Communication with wider audience regarding positive advertisement of school, promotion of school & enrolment dates
- Communication with a wider audience of school life via possible communication tours -photos of pupil’s projects, notice boards, etc.
- Communication between parents especially new parents
- Continued advancement of our school communication system with information shared via paper notes, email, website & now Facebook
Those using our social networking site must abide by the following;
- Users cannot advertise products or services on our school Facebook page
- As per our Website the publication of student work will be co-ordinated by a teacher.
- 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.
- The school will endeavour to use digital photographs, audio or video clips focusing on group activities. Content focusing on individual students will not be published without parental permission.
- Personal pupil information including home address and contact details will be omitted. A pupil’s first name only will accompany a picture - generally no names are mentioned.
- Users should not post anything on the page that could be deemed as offensive – inappropriate or harmful comments/content will be removed immediately
- Users should not ask to become “friends” with staff as failure to respond may cause offence
- Users cannot tag or post photographs of children on the page
- Users should not add comments that can identify children
- To use Facebook, one must be 13 years of age or older. Therefore current pupils cannot be accepted as users.
Personal DevicesPupils using their own technology in school (without permission from their teacher), such as mobile phones, smart watches, iPods etc., is in direct breach of the school’s Acceptable Use Policy.
In exceptional circumstances, with the Teachers/Parents/Guardians permission, personal devices may be allowed in class for a specific purpose.
Please see our Policy on Mobile Phones for more detail.
Distance Learning
CBS Primary are aware of both the benefits and dangers associated with use of the Internet Technology in Distance Learning.
Our “Guidelines for Internet Use” for Pupils and Teachers outlined earlier in this document apply fully to all aspects of Distance Learning.
With the expanded role of Parents/Guardians in the Distance Learning process we have added a further section of Guidance. The safety of our children on the web is of utmost importance. They are open to potential dangers when the internet is used inappropriately.
LegislationThe 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
Support StructuresThe school will inform students and parents of key support structures and organisations that deal with illegal material or harmful use of the Internet.
Parents are encouraged to have passwords for Social Media for monitoring children's usage.
SanctionsMisuse 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 Template
Please review the attached school Internet Acceptable Use Policy, sign and return this permission form to the Principal.
School Name
Name of Pupil: ______________________
Class/Year: ______________________
Pupil
I agree to follow the school’s Acceptable Use Policy on the use of the Internet. I will use the Internet in a responsible way and obey all the rules explained to me by the school.
Pupil’s Signature: __________________________ Date: ______________________________
Parent/GuardianAs the parent or legal guardian of the above pupil, I have read the Acceptable Use Policy and grant permission for my son 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 or photograph (in a group setting without giving full name/personal details) may be chosen for inclusion on the website/blog. I understand and accept the terms of the Acceptable Use Policy relating to publishing children’s work on the school website/blog.
I accept the above paragraph □ I do not accept the above paragraph □
(Please tick as appropriate)
Signature: _____________________________ Date: ______________________________
Address: ______________________________ Telephone: ___________________________
Guidelines for Internet Use:
Pupils
- We will not go on Internet without teacher’s permission.
- We will only visit websites that teacher has approved.
- If we see a nasty website, video or picture in class we will tell teacher immediately.
- We will ask for teacher’s permission before downloading any programmes.
- We will never give information about ourselves or others online.
- We will never make contact with another person online without teacher’s permission.
- We will always "Have Courage and Be Kind" in our dealings with others online.
Teachers
- A teacher must always supervise internet activities (No internet at break times).
- Check that AVG (or alternative) software is updated.
- Don't allow use of memory keys unless scanned by Smadav or similar programme.
- Don't open e-mail attachments unless you are sure they are safe.
- Always check a website / video fully before use in class.
- Check the usage history every 2 weeks.
Guidelines for Parents/Guardians
- If students are using the internet for assignments, it is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to supervise their work.
- Many social media sites have minimum age requirements, we would advise parents to not allow their children to have personal accounts on Facebook, Twitter, etc. until they are the appropriate age.
- Please do not “tag” photographs or any other content which would identify any children or staff in the school.
- If you are uploading a photograph, please ensure that it does not identify the child in any way.
- Try to ensure photos intended for use on our Website are group focussed.
- Please ensure that online messages and comments to the school are respectful.
- Parents are always encouraged to review the online activities of their children.
- If at any time you have questions about assignments or online resources, please contact your child’s teacher(s).
Some Guidelines for using Zoom for Remote Learning……
1. Dress appropriately (Regular clothes. No PJs!)
2. Be aware of your surroundings. Pick a room that is not a bedroom and does not have traffic passing
through. Be mindful of noise from other people or pets.
3. Mute your microphone when you’re not talking. Only turn it on if you are asked to speak. Muting your microphone when you’re not speaking gives others the ability to join in without distraction or frustration.
4. Leave the keyboard alone. The sound of your typing is distracting.
5. Be respectful. Teachers and pupils are real people who are affected by words you say and
write.
6. Using Chat - Do not use Chat when the teacher is talking. Be respectful at all times,when using Chat. Remember that you are in a classroom, even if you are not wearing your uniform.
7. No food allowed. We don’t want you dropping crumbs all over your keyboard!
8. Stay seated and stay present. Do not leave the room or talk on your phone.
9. Be patient. This is new to a lot of people and it may take time to learn.
- Don’t turn off your camera unless your teacher asks you to.
- Try to be on time – log in a few minutes before the Start Time.
Assistive Technology Use Agreement
1. The *Assistive Technology* remains the property of Name of School
2. Reasonable care must be taken to avoid damage or loss. All leads and
accessories are to be stored safely.
3. The Assistive Technology has been provided for school related use.
4. The Assistive Technology is for the agreed pupil usage and must not
be transferred to a third party.
5.. If the Assistive Technology is lost, stolen or damaged I will advise
a member of the CBS Staff as soon as possible.
