Purpose of the Internet at School

Internet access will be provided for you to conduct research and communicate with others, but only on the understanding that you agree to follow these guidelines. These guidelines apply to both pupils and staff.

General

• Users are responsible for good behaviour on the Internet just as they are in a classroom or a school corridor. General school rules apply.
• The Internet is provided for users to conduct genuine research and communicate with others. All the sites you visit are recorded. Remember that access is a privilege, not a right and that access requires responsibility at all times.
• Computer (file) storage areas will be treated as school property. ICT staff may look at files and communications to insure that the system is being used responsibly. Users should not expect that their work and emails would always be private.
• You should be aware that a member of the ICT staff can view your computer screen at any time from anywhere on the school network without your knowledge.
• During lessons, teachers will guide pupils toward appropriate materials. Outside of lessons, families bear responsibility for such guidance, as they must also exercise with information sources such as television, telephone, cinema, radio, newspaper, magazine and other potentially offensive media.

The following are not permitted:

• Sending, displaying, accessing or trying to access any obscene or offensive material.
• Using obscene or offensive language. (Remember that you are a representative of Horbury school on a global public system - never swear, use vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language. Bad spelling is also a poor reflection on yourself and on the school.)
• Harassing, insulting or attacking others through electronic media.
• Violating copyright laws. (Never copy and make use of any material without giving credit to the author. By itself such work will be of little value as your own work.)
• Revealing any personal information, the home address or personal phone numbers of yourself or other people.
• Downloading games or other executable programs.
• Intentionally wasting limited resources on unnecessary or unauthorised activities.
• Private use of the Internet or email service without advanced permission.
• Use of commercial activities by for-profit institutions.
• Carrying on a private business.
• Undertaking financial transactions on behalf of the school.
  

Check with a member of the ICT department before:

• opening unidentified email attachments.
• completing questionnaires or subscription forms.
  

Sanctions

1. Violations of the above rules may result in a temporary or permanent ban on Internet use.
2. Additional disciplinary action may be added in line with existing practice on inappropriate language or behaviour.
3. When applicable, police or local authorities may be involved.

Adapted from Acceptable Use Policy for UK Schools, National Association for Co-ordinators and Teachers of IT © 1996-97 ACITT http://www.acitt.org.uk