Internet Acceptable Use Policy

The aim of this policy is to ensure that pupils will benefit from learning opportunities offered by the schools 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  Therefore, if the school AUP is not adhered to this privilege will be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions as outlined in the AUP – will be imposed.

Although the school takes active steps to promote safe use of the Internet, it recognises the possibility that students may accidentally or deliberately access inappropriate or objectionable material.

It is envisaged that the IT Co-ordinator will review the AUP annually. If necessary the school and parent’s representatives will review, and if necessary revise the AUP.  A written signed record of review dates will be available with the AUP.

The school respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to allow their children access to the Internet as defined by the school’s acceptable use policy.

This Internet Acceptable Use Policy was drawn up by the IT co-ordinator in consultation with the Principal, Staff, B.O.M., and Parent Association.

School Strategy

When using the Internet the school will employ the following strategies to reduce the risks associated with the Internet:

General

1. Internet sessions will be supervised by a teacher.
2. A firewall will be provided to restrict access to inappropriate websites.
3. The school will regularly monitor pupil’s Internet usage.
4. Teachers who use the Internet with their classes or make the Internet available to them will first instruct their classes on:

• the general safety rules
• good “netiquette”
• Legislation appropriate to the age level of the children in their care.

               (See appendix)

1. Uploading and downloading of non-approved software will not be permitted.
2. Norton Anti-Virus software is installed an updated on a regular basis.
3. The use of personal floppy disks or CD-ROMs in school requires a teacher’s

    permission.

1. Students will observe good “netiquette” at all times and all users will not undertake

    any actions that may bring the school into disrepute.

World Wide Web

1. Users will not visit Internet sites that contain obscene, illegal, hateful or otherwise objectionable materials
2. Users will use the Internet for educational purposes only.
3. Users will be familiar with copyright issues relating to online learning.
4. Students will never disclose or publicise personal information.
5. Users 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.

Email

1. Users will use approved class Email addresses under supervision by or permission from a teacher.

1. Users will not send or receive any material that is illegal, obscene, defamatory or that is intended to annoy or intimidate another person.

1. Users will use Email for school related business only.
2. Students will not reveal their own or other peoples personal details, such as addresses or telephone numbers or pictures.
3. Students will never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they only know through Emails or the Internet.
4. Students will note that sending and receiving email attachments is subject to permission from their teacher.

Internet Chat

1. Students will only have access to chat rooms, discussion forums or other electronic communication forums that have been approved by the school.
2. Chat rooms, discussion forums and other communication forums will only be used for educational purposes.
3. User names will be used to avoid disclosure of identity.
4. Face-to-face meetings with someone organised via the Internet chat is forbidden.

School Website

Should a school website be created:

1. The publication of student work will be co-ordinated by a teacher.
2. 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.
3. 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.  Video clips may be password protected.
4. Personal pupil information including home address and contact details will be omitted from school web pages.
5. Pupils will continue to own the copyright on any work published.
6. All publications on the school website will be approved by the principal.

Legislation

Teachers will be made aware of the existence of the following legislation:

1. Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003
2. Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998
3. Interception Act 1993
4. Video Recordings Act 1989
5. The Data Protection Act 1988

Sanctions

Misuse of the Internet will result in disciplinary action:

1. Verbal warning,
2. Written warning
3. Withdrawal of access privileges
4. And in extreme cases suspension or expulsion

The school reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities – Board of Management, Gardaí.

This policy with the accompanying letter and permission slip will be given

to parents on the enrolment of their child/children

Signed permission slips will be retained in the school.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

 

Re: Internet Permission Form

As part of the schools education programme we use computers as a tool to enhance learning. Now that Broadband is being installed in the school the Internet will be more readily available. However, access to and use of the Internet requires responsibility on the part of the user and the school. These responsibilities are outlined in the school’s Acceptable Use Policy (enclosed). It is important that you read this enclosed document carefully. Kindly return the permission form below to the school as soon as possible.  An individual form needs to be signed for every child.

Thank you for your co-operation,

Mary Andrews,

Principal

-----------------------Please detach and return to the school-----------------------------

Name of Pupil______________________________________

Date of Birth_________________________

As the parent/guardian of the above pupil, I have read the Acceptable Use Policy and grant permission for my daughter or the child in my care to access the Internet. I understand that Internet access is intended for educational purposes only. 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.  

Signed: _______________________________________

I do not accept the above paragraph.

Signed________________________________________