ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

 

Table of Contents

 

1. Introduction and General Approach
2. Content Filtering, Web Browsing & Downloading
3. Email & Messaging
4. Social Media
5. Personal Devices & Mobile Phones
6. Images & Video
7. Cyber bullying
8. College Website
9. Sanctions
10. Permission Form

 

Section 1- Introduction and General Approach

Definition

An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) addresses all the rights, privileges, responsibilities and sanctions associated with Internet use.

 Aim

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 Therefore, if the school AUP is not adhered to, this privilege will be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions as per the Code of Behaviour and the Anti-Bullying Policy will be applied.

Depending on the nature of the breach of the AUP, Cross and Passion College reserves the right to contact relevant outside bodies (Gardaí, legal advice, Tusla, etc.) to determine the appropriate course of action.

Before signing, the AUP should be read carefully to ensure that the conditions of use are accepted and understood.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Anti-Bullying Policy, the Child Protection Policy, Child Safeguarding Statement and the Code of Behaviour.

The Board of Management of Cross and Passion College is committed to providing access to Internet facilities in the College, for educational purposes. However, there are many potential dangers associated with the use of the Internet and it is the responsibility of the Board of Management to protect all users of the College’s Internet facilities, in particular students of the College, from these dangers. It is also the responsibility of the Board of Management to comply with Irish Legislation in this area:

• Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003
• Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998
• Interception Act 1993
• Video Recordings Act 1989
• The Data Protection Act 1988.

This policy governing access to and use of the Internet by students & staff of the College outlines practices and procedures and is also intended to provide maximum protection for users from potential dangers associated with the use of the Internet.

This policy was ratified by the Board of Management on 20^th June 2018 and will be reviewed in June 2020.

 

Section 2 – Content Filtering, Web Browsing & Downloading

Cross and Passion College allows access to many websites including games and YouTube, and other similar types of websites, such as blogs but blocks access to websites belonging to the personal websites category and websites such as Facebook belonging to the Social Networking category.

Students will report accidental accessing of inappropriate materials in the classroom to their teacher.

Students are encouraged to report accidental accessing of inappropriate materials in school but outside the classroom to their class teacher and or Year Head.

Students and staff will not copy information from the internet without acknowledging the author and referencing the source of the content.

Students and staff 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.

Students will use the College’s internet connection only for educational and career development activities.

Pupils will not engage in online activities such as uploading or downloading large files (including software) that result in heavy network traffic which impairs the service for other internet users.

No member of the school community will download or view any material that is illegal, obscene, and defamatory or that is intended to annoy or intimidate another person.

Use of file sharing and torrent sites is only allowed under teacher supervision.

 

Section 3 – Email & Messaging

The College will encourage all students to use their assigned email account. The use of personal email accounts is acceptable in agreed circumstances. (E.G. Applying to College/UCAS, Career & character references).

Students should not under any circumstances share their email account login details with other pupils.

Students will not send any material that is illegal, obscene, and defamatory or that is intended to annoy or intimidate another person.

Students should avoid opening emails that appear suspicious. If in doubt, pupils should ask their teacher before opening emails from unknown senders.

 

Section 4 – Social Media

The principles set out in this policy are designed to help ensure that social media is used responsibly so that the confidentiality of students, staff and the reputation of the College is protected.

This policy applies to personal websites such as social networking sites (for example Facebook), blogs, microblogs such as Twitter, chat rooms, forums, podcasts, open access online encyclopaedias such as Wikipedia, social bookmarking sites and content sharing sites such as Flickr and YouTube. The internet is a fast moving technology and it is impossible to cover all circumstances or emerging media.

The following statements apply to the use of messaging, blogging and video streaming services by students and staff of Cross and Passion College:

• Staff and students must not use social media and the internet in any way to harass, insult, abuse or defame pupils, their family members, staff, and other members of the CPC community
• Staff and students must not discuss personal information about pupils, staff and other members of the College on social media
• Staff and students must not use College email addresses for setting up personal social media accounts or to communicate through such media
• Staff and students must not engage in activities involving social media which might bring Cross and Passion College into disrepute
• Staff and students must not represent their personal views as the views of Cross and Passion College on any social medium.

 

Section 5 – Personal Devices & Mobile Phones

Students using their own technology in school should follow the rules set out in this policy, in the same way as if they were using school equipment.

Use of personal internet-enabled devices such as smart phones and tablets by students is confined to break times only (i. e. little break and lunch break). However if a member of staff tells a student(s) during break times that they should put their phone/tablet away then the student(s) should respect that. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

Use of personal internet-enabled devices outside of break times including supervised or unsupervised free classes, can only take place with the expressed permission of staff.

During class time, personal internet-enabled devices such as smart phones and tablets should be powered off, unless staff permits them to be switched on.

Personal internet-enabled devices, such as smart phones, are not permitted in exams and exam papers will be cancelled if this occurs.

If a student needs to contact home urgently, they will be allowed to use the phone in the Main Office.

If parents need to contact students urgently, they should phone the Main Office.

Use of personal internet-enabled devices to take photographs/audio or video footage is prohibited, unless with the expressed permission of staff e.g. as part of Classroom-Based Assessment (CBA) and with the consent of the subject(s) of photograph/audio or video footage.

If a student uses a personal device outside the permitted times or in breach of the agreed acceptable use then sanctions will apply as per the Code of Behaviour, which may include confiscation of the device, suspension and expulsion.

At all times, the privacy of a student shall be respected. Where the data on a device is accessed it shall only be to determine whether there has been misuse of the device, not to monitor the private activities of the owner.

 

Section 6 – Images & Video

The development of digital imaging technologies has created significant benefits to learning, allowing staff and pupils instant use of images that they have recorded themselves or downloaded from the internet. However, staff, parents / carers and pupils need to be aware of the risks associated with publishing digital images on the internet. Such images may provide opportunities for harassment or breaches of privacy to take place. Digital images may remain available on the internet forever and may cause harm to individuals in the short or longer term.

Taking photographs/audio or video footage is prohibited, unless with the expressed permission of staff e.g. as part of Classroom-Based Assessment (CBA) and with the consent of the subject(s) of photograph/audio or video footage.

There are certain events in the life of the School where it is normal and reasonable for photographs to be taken and where the explicit consent of the subject therein would usually not be required. These include concerts, sports events, TY activities, trips, etc. Students should use discretion as to what is appropriate and must continue to be extremely cautious about posting anything to the internet or showing it to others without achieving the direct consent of those involved. If they are in any doubt at all about what is appropriate, the guidance of a member of staff should be sought in advance. If, in the opinion of the College, their actions are deemed to have been inappropriate the sanctions as outlined above shall apply.

Subject to permission being granted, care should be taken when taking photographic or video images that pupils are appropriately dressed and are not participating in activities that might bring the individuals or the College into disrepute.

At Cross and Passion College students must not take, use, share, publish or distribute images of others without their permission.

Students must not share images, videos or other content online with the intention to harm another member of the College community regardless of whether this happens in school or outside.

Sharing explicit images and in particular explicit images of pupils and/or minors is an unacceptable and absolutely prohibited behaviour, with serious consequences and sanctions for those involved. Sharing explicit images of other pupils automatically incurs suspension as a sanction.

All parents/guardians are invited to sign the Digital Image Guidelines which grants the College permission to publish photographs of students with due regard to the guidelines.

Section 7 – Cyber bullying

This type of bullying is increasingly common and is continuously evolving. It is bullying carried out through the use of information and communication technologies such as text, social network sites, e-mail, instant messaging (IM), apps, gaming sites, chat-rooms and other online technologies. Being the target of inappropriate or hurtful messages is the most common form of online bullying. As cyber-bullying uses technology to perpetrate bullying behaviour and does not require face to face contact, cyber-bullying can occur at any time (day or night). Many forms of bullying can be facilitated through cyber-bullying. For example, a target may be sent homophobic text messages or pictures may be posted with negative comments about a person’s sexuality, appearance etc.

Access to technology means that cyber-bullying can happen around the clock and the pupils’ home may not even be a safe haven from such bullying. Pupils are increasingly communicating in ways that are often unknown to adults and free from supervision. The nature of these technologies means digital content can be shared and seen by a very wide audience almost instantly and is almost impossible to delete permanently. While cyber bullying often takes place at home and at night, the impact can also be felt in school.

In accordance with the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Schools, Cross and Passion College considers that a once-off offensive or hurtful public message, image or statement on a social network site or other public forum where that message, image or statement can be viewed and/or repeated by other people will be regarded as bullying behaviour.

• When using the internet, pupils, parents and staff are expected to treat others with respect at all times.
• Engaging in online activities with the intention to harm, harass, or embarrass another pupil or member of staff is an unacceptable and absolutely prohibited behaviour, with serious consequences and sanctions for those involved.
• Measures are taken by the College to ensure that staff and pupils are aware that bullying is defined as unwanted negative behaviour, verbal, psychological or physical, conducted by an individual or group against another person (or persons) and which is repeated over time. This definition includes cyberbullying even when it happens outside the school or at night.
• Isolated or once-off incidents of intentional negative behaviour, including a once-off offensive or hurtful text message or other private messaging, do not fall within the definition of bullying and will be dealt with, as appropriate, in accordance with the College’s Code of Behaviour.
• In the event of a critical incident please refer to the extract from the “Critical Incident Policy” as outlined in the appendix of this policy.

 

Section 8 – College Website

• Pupils will be given the opportunity to publish projects, artwork or school work on the internet in accordance with clear policies and approval processes regarding the content that can be loaded to the College’s website.
• The website will be regularly checked a member of the leadership team with responibility for the Website to ensure that there is no content that compromises the safety, privacy, or reputation of students or staff.
• Webpages allowing comments or user-generated content will be pre-moderated and checked frequently by the administrators of those pages to ensure that they do not contain any inappropriate or offensive content.
• The publication of student work will be coordinated by a teacher.
• Cross and Passion College will use only digital photographs, audio or video clips, focusing on group activities. Content focusing on individual students will only be published on the College website with parental permission.
• Personal student information including home address and contact details will not be published on Cross and Passion College web pages.
• The College will avoid publishing the first name and last name of pupils in video or photograph captions published online.

 

Section 9 – Sanctions

Misuse of the internet may result in disciplinary action, including written warnings, withdrawal of access privileges, detention and, in extreme cases, suspension or expulsion. The College also reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities.

Cross and Passion College will deal with incidents that take place outside the College that impact on the wellbeing of pupils or staff under this policy and associated codes of behaviour and anti-bullying policies. In such cases the College will, where known, inform parents/carers of incidents of inappropriate online behaviour that take place out of the College and impose the appropriate sanctions.

Students taking steps to by-pass the content filter by using proxy sites or other means will be subject to disciplinary action, including written warnings, withdrawal of access privileges, detention and, in extreme cases, suspension or expulsion.

Students should immediately report the receipt of any communication that makes them feel uncomfortable, is offensive, discriminatory, threatening or bullying in nature and must not respond to any such communication.

Cross and Passion College implements the following strategies on promoting safer use of the internet:

• Students, staff and parents will be made aware of the Acceptable Use Policy and its contents.
• Internet safety advice and support opportunities are provided to pupils in the College through our Induction Programme, SPHE Programme (Wellbeing) & Internet Safety talks.
• Teachers will be provided with continuing professional development opportunities in the area of internet safety
• This Policy recognises and respects the importance of the College’s Child Protection Policy in relation to all IT usage & safety.

 

Section 10 – Permission Form

All students who enroll in Cross and Passion College must agree to follow the College’s Acceptable Use Policy and sign the AUP Form. This form must be countersigned by the students’ parents/guardians. (See Appendix)

 

  

Appendix 1

Guidance on Social Media Use & Critical Incidents

Social media is now part of everyday communication and information sharing. Most students are avid and competent users. Social media messages speed up the rate at which information is shared. This can have a significant influence on the behaviour of young people during a critical incident. Some social media communication may occur without the knowledge of school staff that leads to distress among students or their parents/guardians.

The following information may assist to consider issues related to social media use when dealing with a critical incident:

• It is essential that the College takes account of the need to have competency in the use of social media among management and staff. If not, the members of the Critical Incident Team should consult those familiar with its use. Senior students from the Student Council could be part of this process. Normalising social media use by the student body during a critical incident is very important.
• Social media literacy should be addressed in the curriculum. It is essential that College management, staff and students understand the role of social media, and its positive and negative aspects. A positive disposition to social media by the College may encourage thoughtful use by students during a critical incident.
• Agreement on appropriate use of social media during a critical incident should be included in the College’s Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP). All staff should follow agreed online professional protocols as prescribed by the New Code of Conduct by Teachers i.e. “Teachers should ensure that any communication with pupils/students, colleagues, parents / guardians, school management and others is appropriate, including communications via electronic media, such as email, texting and social media etc.” (The Teaching Council, 2012). The Critical Incident Management Team may also remind staff, students and other relevant community members about their AUP during times of crises. 
• When dealing with a critical incident it is advised that the College acts quickly and with caution. A message could be placed on the website and on any other school social media account along the following lines:

“You may be aware of a recent event within the College community. We ask you to respect the family’s privacy and sensitivities at this time by considering if you should post any comments, especially on social media. We will inform you through the normal channels of any relevant developments”.

• The College could use social media to provide up to date information for all concerned throughout the various stages of the incident. Positive messages and appropriate advice for young people and their parents/guardians to discuss social media use with their children and monitor use more actively following a crisis. 
• It is important that the Critical Incident Management Team members are familiar with safe messaging guidelines that should be followed when sending messages to staff. Should the need arise during a crisis; the College management can contact the Joint Managerial Body (JMB) / HSE / NEPS for advice and support. 
• Young people often post messages on social media when tragedies occur. These posts can be heartfelt and emotional particularly in cases of death by suicide. Messages such as “I miss you and will see you soon” or “I will follow in your path” should cause concern and be followed up with the individual concerned. The death by suicide of an individual may influence others. Young people are especially prone to contagion. Those who are emotionally vulnerable may act on suicidal impulses. 
• Activity on social networking sites during a critical incident can be a source of potentially important information, such as suicide pacts, identification of vulnerable groups or individual young people who may be at risk of suicide. Given privacy restrictions to people’s personal pages, distressing information may be posted without the knowledge of parents/guardians or College management. It is likely that users will block access so activity of this nature will not be accessible to everybody.

 

 

Appendix 2

Digital Images & Internet Usage

Parental Consent Form

Digital Images & Internet Usage Parental Consent Form

Digital Image

Digital photos and video are exciting new media which can motivate and inspire pupils. Research has shown that using digital images in education can help encourage creativity, motivation and enthuse pupils and improve communication and team-working skills.

We ask that parent(s) / guardian(s) consent to their son / daughter taking part in the production of digital videos and promotional material. The following guidelines will apply with regard to taking publicity photographs of students in the College:

1. Staff will be aware of possible Child Protection issues when taking photographs of students and where these photographs are used.
2. Parent(s) / Guardian(s) are happy to trust the judgement of teachers in publications such as newsletters, prospectus etc. without asking for specific permission each time.
3. Pupils may be identified in these publications to celebrate their achievements.
4. The risks of using digital images in education are minimal but the College has a duty 
of care towards our students. Therefore pupils in photographs published on our website, www.cpckilcullen.com will not be named or identified in any way other than by group e.g. Winning Football Team etc.
5. This consent form will apply for the duration of your daughter/son’s time at Cross and Passion College.

All digital work in the college is underpinned by our Internet Safety Policies. Please indicate your consent by signing below:

Student’s Name: Parent(s) / Guardian(s):

Date:

________________________________________

  

 

Appendix 3

Internet Permission Form

Name of Student: __________________________ Class/Year: __________________________

I agree to follow the Acceptable Use Policy of Cross and Passion College 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.

Student’s Signature: __________________________

As the parent or legal guardian of the above pupil, I have read the Acceptable Use Policy and grant permission for my son or daughter or the child in my care to access the Internet. I understand that Internet access is intended for educational purposes. I also understand that 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: Yes / No (Please circle as appropriate)

In relation to the school website, I accept 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 Use Policy relating to publishing children’s work on the school website.

I accept the above paragraph: Yes / No (Please circle as appropriate)

Signature: __________________________ (Parent/Guardian)

Ratified by Board of Management 20^th June 2018

Signed: Marie O’Neill, Chairperson