Acceptable Use Policy
Introduction
With continued advances in technology and the increased desire to be connected to the internet, any home, institution or organization which can provide individuals with such connectivity must be diligent. The greater the number of users the more susceptible the home, institution or organization is to security breaches.If an individual who has access to the home, institution or organization internet systems acts in an undesirable or inappropriate manner, then other users of the internet system may be compromised or the worst case scenario may be the compromisation of the institution's data. One way homeowners or the management of institutions/organizations can prevent or significantly reduce the occurrence of such possibilities and proactively promote desirable and effective security behaviours is through the development of an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).
Given the organizational structure of this institution (George Lamming Primary School), the use of the school's technological equipment is indeed a privilege. As such the management of the school reserves the right to monitor the use of all forms of technology used on the premises irrespective of the user. The Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) therefore outlines the conditions and consequences under which technology will be used by all within the environs of the school.
What is an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)?
An acceptable use policy (AUP) is a document that outlines a set of rules to be followed by users of a computer network, website or LAN. An AUP clearly states what the user is and is not allowed to do with the technological resources utilizing the computer network, LAN or website. AUPs also spell out the consequences of breaching the laid-down regulations.
Definitions
Rules
Rules are instructions that tell you what you are allowed to do and what you are not.
Computer Network
A computer network is made up of wired or wireless communication pathways which transmit data, voice and video traffic using protocols to regularise the traffic. A network consists of multiple devices that communicate with one another. It can be as small as two computers or as large as billions of devices. While a traditional network is comprised of desktop computers, modern networks may include laptops, tablets, smartphones, televisions, gaming consoles, smart appliances, and other electronics.
Website
A website is a collection of publicly accessible, interlinked Web pages that share a single domain name. Websites can be created and maintained by an individual, group, business or organization to serve a variety of purposes. Together, all publicly accessible websites constitute the World Wide Web.
LAN
A local area network is limited to a specific area, such as a home or school compound. A home network may have a single router that offers both wired and wireless connections. For example, a computer may connect to the router via Ethernet, while smartphones and tablets connect to the router via Wi-Fi. All devices connected to the router share the same network and often the same Internet connection. A larger network, such as the network of an educational institution, may be comprised of many switches, hubs, and Ethernet cables. It may also include multiple wireless access points and wireless repeaters that provide wireless access to the network.
Policy Stipulations
The Staff and students of the George Lamming Primary School and all other users (visitors – contractors and others) of the School’s facilities are bound by the provisions of its general rules and this Acceptable Use Policy. The George Lamming Primary School seeks to promote and facilitate the positive use of Information Technology in the interests of supporting the delivery of learning, teaching, innovation, and research to the highest possible standards.
Unacceptable Use
The George Lamming Primary School computer network, LAN or website must not be used directly or indirectly by staff, students or visitors to download, construct or spread the following.
- any distasteful, lewd or improper images, data or other material, or any data capable of being turned into obscene or indecent images or material
- material that is insulting, threatening, prejudiced, or which has the potential to incite others.
- unwanted emails or messages
- material which can be used to facilitate harassment, bullying and/or ill-treatment of a staff member, student or another person
- matter which stimulates contrast on the basis of race, religion/belief or disability
- material that brings the George Lamming Primary School into disrepute.
The George Lamming Primary School Network must not be deliberately used by a user for deeds having, or likely to have the following appearances:
- deliberately wasting a teacher’s industry or other school resources
- altering or destroying another staff/student data without their consent
- interrupting the work of other staff/students or the correct functioning of the George Lamming Primary School Network
- deny access to the George Lamming Primary School Network and its services to other users without authorization to do so by management
Users Shall Not
- launch data- interference, password- discovery or similar software to the George Lamming Primary School Network;
- seek to gain unauthorized access to restricted areas of the George Lamming Primary School Network;
- access or try to access data where the user knows or ought to know that they should have no access;
- carry out any hacking activities; or
- knowingly or intentionally introduce any form of spyware, computer virus or other potentially malicious software.
Any research which may contravene the rules and stipulations of the AUP must be discussed in advance with the management of the George Lamming Primary School Network. If any member of the George Lamming Primary School believes that he/she may have come across violations of any of the above, then he/she is obligated to bring it to the attention of the school’s management (Principal, Information Technology Coordinator).
Consequences for Unacceptable Use
In the event of a breach of this Acceptable Use Policy by any member of staff, student or other users on the school’s environs, the George Lamming Primary School Network management may in its sole discretion:
- restrict or terminate the privilege to use the school’s network
- remove any material uploaded in contravention of this Policy
- where suitable release evidence to the relevant oversight (Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training) and national law enforcement agency to take any legal action against the user. The school also reserves the right to take such action, disciplinary or otherwise as it deems appropriate under the Schools Code of Discipline 2004.
Acceptance of AUP/Contract
Staff and Other (Visitors) Agreement
I have read, understand, and will abide by the above Acceptable Use Policy when using the computer network and other electronic resources owned or leased by the George Lamming Primary School. I further understand that any violation of the regulations above is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken, and/or appropriate legal action may be initiated.
_________________________________
Staff/Visitor’s Name (please print)
_________________________________
Signature
_________________________________
Date
Parent & Student Agreement
As the parent or guardian of (Name of Student) __________________________, of (Class of Student) __________________________, I have read the Acceptable Use Policy. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. I acknowledge that the George Lamming Primary School has taken reasonable steps to control access to its computer network, LAN and Website, but cannot guarantee that all controversial information will be inaccessible to student users. I agree that I will not hold the George Lamming Primary School responsible for materials acquired on the network by my son/daughter/ward. I hereby give permission for my child to use network resources, including the Internet, that are available through the George Lamming Primary School. I also hereby do confirm that I have shared the terms and conditions of this AUP with my son/daughter/ward (Name of Student) __________________________, of (Class of Student) __________________________.
_________________________________
Parent’s Name (please print)
_________________________________
Signature
