Internet Acceptable Use Policy
January 2016
Educationalists believe in the benefits of curriculum-based internet use. The purpose of the Internet Acceptable Usage Policy is to ensure that pupils will benefit from learning opportunities offered by the school’s internet resources, and will be protected from harmful and illegal use of the Internet.
Bunscoil Bhríde will employ a number of strategies to maximise learning opportunities and reduce risks associated with the Internet. These strategies are as follows:
Pupil Access to the Internet
The school is pleased to offer the internet as an available resource to both pupils and teachers for reference purposes, researching project materials, playing interactive educational games, learning to touch-type and for lesson reinforcement. Access to on-line resources will enable pupils to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards throughout the world.
Electronic information research skills are now fundamental to preparation for living and working in this information age. The school will integrate such information as appropriate within the curriculum, and staff will provide guidance and instruction to pupils in the appropriate use of such resources, as outlined in this policy.
Pupils will not be given access to the Internet without teacher supervision.
If pupils are allowed to use email, the following rules will apply:
Internet Chat
Students are not permitted to use internet chat rooms.
School Website – www.bunscoilbhride.ie
Pupils may create projects, artwork, writing or audio-visual recordings which would be suitable for publication on our school’s website. Marie Costello will manage the publication of material on the school website adhering to the stipulations below.
Education and Internet Awareness
Bunscoil Bhríde will undertake an education programme to educate children on the safe, responsible use of the Internet. Cyber-bullying has become a significant threat for teenagers. Through education and awareness we aim to limit our children’s susceptibility to it as they progress to secondary school. 21st century life presents dangers including violence, racism and exploitation from which children and young people need to be protected. At the same time they need to learn to recognise and avoid these risks – to become internet wise.
Resources that may be used to implement this programme include:
Filtering
The school will use the Internet provided and filtered by the NCTE (National Centre for Technology). ‘Filtering’ is a term used to describe a way of limiting the content of web pages, emails, chat rooms and other electronic data to which users may be exposed. No filter is 100% accurate. The most effective filtering tool is adult vigilance. At Bunscoil Bhríde, we believe that the advantages to pupils having access to information resources and increased opportunities for collaboration, far exceed the risk of disadvantages.
The access to websites from all school computers is monitored and regularly reviewed by the NCTE. Websites are only allowed through following a verification of their suitability.
Laptops and iPads
Each laptop and iPad has a number and the children of each class will be designated a specific laptop and iPad.
Use of laptops and iPads that travel between home and school are subject to all stipulations, procedures and sanctions outlined in this policy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Parents of children who have been sanctioned laptops or iPads are instructed to be vigilant in monitoring their use in the home, as per procedures for school. Parents of all children are advised to keep laptops/iPads in a common area (i.e. kitchen or living room) with the screen visible to others while a child may be on the internet. The use of laptops/iPads by children in their bedrooms is not recommended.
Parents of children who have been sanctioned laptops/iPads are wholly responsible for repairing any damage that is caused to the laptop/iPad while it is at home.
Sanctions
If a pupil deliberately misuses the internet or email, is found running searches on inappropriate topics or attempting to access inappropriate/unsuitable websites, this will result in disciplinary action, including the withdrawal of access privileges. Parents/guardians will receive notification of misuse by a pupil. Further misuse will result in longer withdrawal of access privileges, as seen fit by the school staff.
THE OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS POLICY LIES WITH THE PRINCIPAL AND TEACHERS.
This policy will be reviewed every two years in consultation with the staff and Parents’ Association.
I, the undersigned, on behalf of the Board of Management, endorse and take ultimate responsibility for the implementation of this policy statement.
Signed: _______________________
Chairperson
Date: ___________
Responsible Internet Use
Pupil Undertaking
We use the School computers and Internet connection for learning.
These rules will help us to be fair to others and keep everyone safe.
Signed: __________________________________________________________Pupil(s)
Signed: _________________________ Parent/Guardian
Date: _______________
Internet Permission Form
Name of Pupil(s): _____________________________________________
Class(es): _____________________________________
As the parent or legal guardian of the above child, I have read the Internet Acceptable
Use Policy and grant permission for __________________________________________________________
(daughter’s name) to access the Internet. I understand that school internet usage is for educational purposes only and that every reasonable precaution will be taken by the school to provide for online safety.
I accept my own responsibility for the education of my child(ren) on issues of Internet Responsibility and Safety.
I understand that having adhered to all the enclosed precautions the school cannot be held responsible if my child tries to access unsuitable material.
Signature: 1. _________________________ 2. __________________________
Parents/Legal Guardians
Date: ___________________
School Website
I understand that, if the school considers it appropriate, my child’s schoolwork may be chosen for inclusion on the school’s website. I understand and accept the terms of the Acceptable Usage Policy in relation to publishing pupils’ work and photographs of school activities on the website.
Signature: 1. _________________________ 2. __________________________
Parents/Legal Guardians
Date: ___________________
Assistive Technology
I understand that it is my/our responsibility to repair any damage that may occur to the laptop/iPad my/our daughter has been sanctioned while it is at home. I also understand and accept the terms of the Acceptable Use Policy in relation to the monitoring of my/our daughter’s usage of the laptop/iPad while at home
Signature: 1. _________________________ 2. __________________________
Parents/Legal Guardians
Date: ___________________