Internet Acceptable Use Policy


The aim of this Internet Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) 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 / 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  Therefore, if the school AUP is not adhered to this privilege will be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions – outlined in this AUP- will be imposed.

School’s Strategy:
The school employs a number of strategies in order to maximise learning opportunities and reduce risks associated with the Internet. 

These strategies are as follows:

General:
  • Internet sessions will always be supervised by a teacher
  • Filtering software is provided by the Dept. of Education and Skills which minimises the risk of exposure to inappropriate material.
  • The school can regularly monitor pupils’ Internet usage.
  • Students will be provided with guidance in the area of Internet Safety
  • Uploading and downloading of non-approved software will not be permitted.
  • Virus protection software will be used and updated on a regular basis.
  • The use of personal memory sticks, CD- ROM's, or other digital storage media in school requires a teacher’s permission.
  • Students will treat others with respect at all times and will not undertake any actions that may bring the school into disrepute.

Legislation :
Information may be found on the following legislation relating to use of the Internet which teachers, students and parents should familiarise themselves with:
• Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2003 • Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 • Interception Act 1993 • Video Recordings Act 1989 • The Data Protection Act 1988

World Wide Web: 
  • Students will use the internet for educational purposes only.
  • Students will never disclose or publicise personal information.
  • Downloading materials or images not relevant to their studies, is in direct breach of the school’s acceptable use policy.
  • Students will not intentionally visit internet sites that contain objectionable materials.
  • The Webwise website https://www.webwise.ie/  is a useful resource and teachers/parents can use it to access various resources related to online safety.

Emails
  • If using email communication, students will only use approved class email accounts under the supervision of a teacher.

Internet Communication
  • Students will only have access to messaging / electronic communication forums that have been approved by the school e.g. Skyping between schools

Electronic Devices (Including Mobile Phones)
  • Children are encouraged not to bring personal electronic devices (including phones) to school during school hours including during school trips
  • If a child, for whatever reason, brings an electronic device / phone into school, it must be switched off and kept in their bag at all times.
  • The school is not responsible for the loss of or damage to any personal electronic device on school premises or during school trips 
  • Parents are asked to comply with this policy

School Website / Blog
  • Pupils may be given the opportunity to publish artwork or school work on the internet.
  • The publication of students’ work will be coordinated by a teacher.
  • Photographs, audio clips and video clips of the pupils may appear on the school websites.  The school will endeavour to try and display these in group contexts.
  • The school web site will avoid publishing the first name and the last name of individuals in a photograph.
  • The school will ensure that the image files are appropriately named.  Pupils’ names will not be used as image file names.
  • Pupils will continue to own the copyright of any work published.
 
Sanctions:
Misuse of the Internet may result in disciplinary action, including written warnings, withdrawal of access privileges and, in extreme cases, suspension or expulsion.  The school also reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities.


This Internet Acceptable Use Policy has been ratified by the Board of Management.

                                                                              Addendum:April 2020
Distance Learning
● In circumstances where teaching cannot be conducted on the school premises, teachers may use Google Classroom, Google Meet, Zoom, SeeSaw, Study Ladder, Padlet or other platforms approved by the Principal as platforms (“Online Platforms”) to assist with remote teaching where necessary.
 ● The school has signed up to the terms of service of the Online Platforms in use by the school.
● The School has enabled the most up to date security and privacy features which these Online Platforms provide.
● In the case of Seesaw parents/guardians must grant access to their child to use this platform
● Parents/guardians will be provided with the password and will be expected to monitor their child
● If teachers are using Zoom to connect with children, parental consent is by submitting their own email address for their child to access school meetings on Zoom.
● Parents/guardians will be expected to monitor their child during these Zoom meetings