E-Safety Policy (Parent/Pupil) March 2013

Transcription

1 E-Safety Policy (Parent/Pupil) March

2 ICT, Internet, Intranet and Policy (Parent/Pupil) 1. Policy statement The purpose of this document is to set out detailed guidance for parents of pupils of Magdalene House (Wisbech Grammar School) about appropriate behaviour concerning the use of ICT. This document provides a framework that should be followed to ensure that use of such ICT does not interfere with the activities of others and does not damage the reputation of Magdalene House (Wisbech Grammar School). 2. Behaviour of users ICT including the internet, and mobile technologies, etc has become an important part of learning in Magdalene House (Wisbech Grammar School). We expect all children to be safe and responsible when using any ICT. Pupils of Magdalene House (Wisbech Grammar School) have access to and are encouraged to use ICT/computing facilities and services for the furtherance of academic and other learning. This access is conditional on ICT/computing resources being used in a responsible manner. The following policy explains what is classified as the acceptable and unacceptable use of ICT hardware, the internet, intranet and systems at Magdalene House (Wisbech Grammar School) or associated with Magdalene House (Wisbech Grammar School). All pupils using the school s ICT/computer hardware and software, internet and facilities must comply with the school s regulations. 3. Whilst in school the pupils of Magdalene House are supervised in their use of ICT. However, pupils also need to learn how to stay safe outside the school. is an important part of today s communications systems. Use of the installed systems/connections by pupils is for legitimate work related/education purposes only and is encouraged to further educational development. Care must be taken when writing s. Due to the informal nature of , it is easy to forget that it is a permanent form of written communication and that material can be retrieved even when it is deleted from a computer that you have used. Pupils are encouraged to think before they send. Suspicious s should not be opened and the teacher, CA or ICT teacher present in the lesson must be informed immediately. If material in an is thought to be offensive, harmful or defamatory the Head of Magdalene House will be alerted immediately. 2

3 4. Use of Internet Whilst in lessons the pupils of Magdalene House are supervised in their use of ICT. At times use of the internet is made available to pupils for educational purposes. While this use is permitted; it is on the understanding that such use is in line with the purpose of the lesson and that the material that is accessed online should be appropriate and not potentially offensive to others. Inappropriate use of the internet, including violation of this policy, may result in disciplinary action being taken. 5. Good housekeeping Pupils from Year 3 and above are responsible for safeguarding personal passwords for the system. Pupils younger than this may use a password decided by the class or ICT teacher whose responsibility it is to safeguard these. All pupils are reminded of the need to log off once an ICT teaching lesson is finished. Computers are checked by teaching staff to ensure this. Pupils are not permitted to use any network account other than the one that has been assigned to them or to access areas of the computer network other than those authorised. Children are taught about the safe use of VDUs, keyboards and workstations (in line with HSE guidelines) in a formal lesson at the beginning of each academic year from Year 3 onwards. Pupils younger than this will have safe usage explained during ICT lessons by the class or ICT teacher at a time during the year when it is felt most appropriate. ICT/computing equipment is very expensive. Costs incurred by the School as a result of careless or irresponsible behaviour may lead to the costs being passed on to the person responsible. Wilful damage of ICT/computing materials will result in sanctions being applied. In extreme circumstances exclusion from school may result. 6. Misuse Misuse by pupils of hardware, software, or the internet may result in a ban for the pupil in the use of computers whilst at school and/or disciplinary action. Such disciplinary action may include exclusion from school. 7. Monitoring/Security All parents and pupils should be aware that Magdalene House (Wisbech Grammar School) reserves the right to routinely monitor the school s electronic systems. At present all files which are opened on the school s network are routinely scanned by Securus ICT security software. This software searches for certain key terms and flags their use. Words of a sexual nature and swear words are flagged immediately. The username, time of use and workstation are recorded. A screenshot is taken of the page flagged. The Headmaster (or his nominated senior member of staff) reserves the right to review any file that is found on the school network or a school machine. Possession of, accessing of, dissemination of, or storage of material that is offensive to others or demeaning or degrading may result in disciplinary sanctions being enforced. 3

4 Both parents and pupils should be aware of the dangers caused by computer viruses. Magdalene House (Wisbech Grammar School) must not, at any time, be put under the threat of a virus attack. The impact such an attack could have on the school is extremely serious. If any external device is plugged into a computer and the system suspects or detects a virus the device will be removed and taken to the school s IT helpdesk. This may result in all (including unaffected) files on the external device being deleted. The School uses anti-virus software. If a pupil wilfully introduces viruses onto the network then they will be subject to sanctions. Should the actions result in damage to the network, loss of data or any other inconvenience to others the sanctions may result in exclusion. Inappropriate, unauthorised or illegal software must not be used on any piece of equipment belonging to Magdalene House (Wisbech Grammar School). All software must be authorised by the Network Manager. 8. Role of staff We recognise that blocking and barring of online sites is no longer adequate; we need to teach all of our pupils to understand why they need to behave responsibly if they are to protect themselves. This aspect is a role for our Child Protection Officers as well as our teaching staff. Our technical staff have a key role in maintaining a safe technical infrastructure at the school and in keeping abreast with the rapid succession of technical developments. They are responsible for the security of our hardware system. They monitor the use of the internet and s and will report inappropriate usage to teaching staff and the Head Teacher. 9. Role of Child Protection Officer We recognise that internet safety is a child protection and general safeguarding issue. The Head Teacher is the Child Protection Officer in Magdalene House. Child Protection Officers have been trained in the safety issues involved with the misuse of the internet and other mobile electronic devices. They work closely with the Local Safeguarding Children s board and other agencies in promoting a culture of responsible use of technology that is consistent with the ethos of Magdalene House (Wisbech Grammar School). All staff receive training in E-safety issues. The Child Protection Officer also ensures that all year groups in the school are educated (in an age appropriate way) on the risks and the reasons why they need to behave responsibly online. It is the Child Protection Officer s responsibility to co-ordinate allegations of misuse of the internet. 10. Pornography Whilst in lessons the pupils of Magdalene House are supervised in their use of ICT. Also the Securus system is designed to filter inappropriate content. In the event that a pupil comes across any material which contains any element of pornography during an ICT lesson then in the first instance the class/ict teacher will deal with the matter (this may include removal of the children from the room as well as the use of screen blanking). The Network Manager and Head Teacher will be informed and the established school procedures will be followed to prevent any re-occurrence. 4

5 In the case of the discovery of child pornography: Any pupil discovering this material will be made aware of the support available through counselling. This service would be confidential and may be of particular assistance in providing support, as the nature of this could be offensive and distressing. 11. Bullying Cyber bullying is a particularly damaging form of bullying because it can be so pervasive and anonymous. There can be no safe haven for the victim, who can be targeted at any time or place. Our school s anti-bullying policy describes our preventative measures and the procedures that will be followed when we discover cases of bullying. All members of our community should be aware that although social networking sites can provide a platform for constructive activity, they can also provide an ideal environment for bullying. Sites such as Facebook, Bebo and LittleGossip are barred from our network. We remind parents that children under 13 should not be using Facebook and advise that if children do access social networking sites with age restrictions then their use should be carefully monitored. If using such sites at home parents/pupils are advised that they should consider their posts with the utmost care. Staff have been advised not to accept pupils as friends on these sites. If staff become aware of underage pupils accessing Facebook the school has a duty of care to report such usage to Facebook for investigation and removal. We advise parents that they should also be aware and monitor their children s usage of online games some of which have the facility for children to communicate with others online in a closed environment. Also to monitor the use of other equipment and software that allows access to the internet in the same way such as Playstation 3, Nintendo DS, X-box Kinect and Wii Online. Proper supervision of pupils plays an important part in creating a safe ICT environment at school; but everyone needs to learn how to stay safe outside the school. We value all of our pupils equality. It is part of the ethos of Magdalene House (Wisbech Grammar School) to promote considerate behaviour and to value diversity. Bullying and harassment in any form should always be reported to a member of staff. It is never the victim s fault and he or she should not be afraid to come forward. 12. Involvement with parents and guardians We seek to work closely with parents and guardians in promoting a culture of E-safety. We will contact parents if there are worries about their child s behaviour in this area and encourage parents to share worries with us. We recognise that not all parents and guardians may feel equipped to protect their son or daughter when they use electronic equipment at home. We therefore arrange an annual discussion afternoon/evening for parents when a specialist advises about the potential hazards of this technology, and the practical steps that parents can take to minimise the potential dangers to their sons and daughters without curbing their child s natural enthusiasm and curiosity. 5

6 13. Use of images/social networking sites and video broadcasting The use of cameras and video recording by parents at school events is at the discretion of the Head Teacher. Such use is restricted to that for personal and private use. Uploading, or manipulating media in any way could result in action being taken. Any video/image content from school events, visits or residential trips must only be used for personal use. Parents or children uploading or manipulating media in any way could result in action being taken. We seek consent from parents for the appropriate use of their child s/children s images or video footage for purposes such as the school website and magazines. We make clear that such publication would be subject to the school s policy that photographs will not be accompanied by pupil names in a manner in which it would be easy to link individuals to images. We seek consent from parents for the electronic publication of children s work within the school rules. 14. Off School Premises Children travelling to school by public transport Mobile phones and any other devices must be handed into the office at arrival at school and then collected shortly before departure in the afternoon/evening. Staff may confiscate personal equipment that is being used during the school day. Children on a school trip (Educational visit / Sporting Fixture) Children are not permitted to take and/or use mobile phones on sporting fixtures and educational visits. Staff in charge of trips will carry a school mobile phone at all times in case of emergencies and will contact parents and/or send a Clarion Call as necessary. No device with internet connectivity may be taken on any educational or sporting trips. The use of cameras is not allowed in washing and changing areas. Cameras taken on school educational visits are to be used under the supervision of school staff at all times. 6

7 Magdalene House (Wisbech Grammar School) Acceptable Use Agreement/E-Safety Rules (Primary Pupil) ü I will only use ICT in school for school purposes. ü I will only use my class address or my own school address when ing. ü I will only open attachments from people I know, or who my teacher has approved. ü I will not tell other people my ICT passwords. ü I will only open/delete my own files. ü I will make sure that all ICT contact with other children and adults is responsible, polite and sensible. ü I will not deliberately look for, save or send anything that could be unpleasant or nasty. If I accidentally find anything like this I will tell my teacher immediately. ü I will not give out my own details such as my name, phone number or home address. I will not arrange to meet someone unless this is part of a school project approved by my teacher and a responsible adult comes with me. ü I will be responsible for my behaviour when using ICT because I know that these rules are to keep me safe. ü I will support the school approach to online safety and not deliberately upload or add any images, video, sounds or text that could upset any member of the school community. ü I know that my use of ICT can be checked and that my parent/carer contacted if a member of school staff is concerned about my E-Safety. 7

8 Magdalene House Preparatory School (Wisbech Grammar School) Acceptable Use Agreement/E-Safety Rules Parent Declaration All pupils use computer facilities including Internet access as an essential part of learning. Both pupils and their parents/carers/guardians are asked to show that the E-safety rules have been understood and agreed. Parent/Carer signature on behalf of their Child/Children (if under 10 years old) I have discussed the Acceptable Use/E-Safety rules with my child/ren (child s/children s name/s) and we agree to follow the E-Safety rules and to support the safe use of ICT at Magdalene House (Wisbech Grammar School). Signed:.. Date:... Please print name:.. We believe that it is essential for parents/carers/guardians to be fully involved with promoting E-Safety both in and outside of school and also to be aware of their responsibilities. We regularly consult and discuss E-Safety with parents/carers/guardians and seek to promote a wide understanding of the benefits related to ICT and associated risks. Parent/Carer signature on their own behalf We will support the school approach to on-line safety and not deliberately upload or add any images, sounds or text that could upset or offend any member of the school community. Signed:.. Date:... Please print name:..

9 Magdalene House Preparatory School (Wisbech Grammar School) Acceptable Use Agreement/E-Safety Rules Pupil Declaration (10 years old +) All pupils use computer facilities including Internet access as an essential part of learning. Both pupils and their parents/carers/guardians are asked to show that the E-safety rules have been understood and agreed. Pupil signature (If 10 years or older) I (child s/children s name/s) have discussed the Acceptable Use/E-Safety rules with my parents/carers and I agree to follow the E-Safety rules and to support the safe use of ICT at Magdalene House (Wisbech Grammar School). Signed:.. Date:... Please print name:.. Why 10 years old? In England when a child reaches the age of 10 years old they become legally responsible for their actions. This is why from the age of 10 years old, we ask the children to sign on their own behalf. Prior to this age we ask parents/carers to sign on their child s behalf.

10 Magdalene House Preparatory School (Wisbech Grammar School) Acceptable Use Agreement/E-Safety Rules Parent Confirmation/Consent Parent s consent for web publications of work and photographs I agree that my son/daughter s work may be electronically published. I also agree that appropriate images and video that include my son/daughter may be published subject to the school rule that photographs will not be accompanied by pupil names in a manner which would be easy to link individuals to images. Signed:.. Date:... Please print name:.. Parent s consent for internet access I have read and understood the school Internet and Policy and give permission for my son/daughter to access the internet. I understand that the school will take all reasonable precautions to ensure that pupils cannot access inappropriate materials but I appreciate that this is a difficult task. I understand that the school cannot be held responsible for the content of materials accessed through the internet. I agree that the school is not liable for any damages arising from use of the internet facilities. Signed:.. Date:... Please print name:..