Digital technologies have become integral to the lives of children and young people, both within school and outside school. These technologies are powerful tools, which open up new opportunities for everyone. These technologies can stimulate discussion, promote creativity and stimulate awareness of context to promote effective learning. Young people should have an entitlement to use all digital technologies safely at all times.

This acceptable use agreement is intended to ensure:

• Pupils will be responsible users and stay safe while using the Internet and other digital technologies.
• School systems are protected from accidental or deliberate misuse that could put the security of the systems at risk.

For my own personal safety:

• I understand that the school will monitor my use of the systems, devices and digital communications.
• I will keep my username and password safe and secure. I will not share it, nor will I try to use any other person’s username and password.
• I will not disclose contact details, inappropriate personal details or images or share any other personal information about myself or others when online.
• I will never arrange to meet anyone I have communicated with online.
• I will immediately report any unpleasant or inappropriate material, messages or anything that makes me feel uncomfortable when I see it online.

I understand that everyone has equal rights to use technology as a resource and:

• I understand that the school systems and devices are intended for educational use and that I will not use them for personal or recreational use unless I have permission.
• I will not use the school systems or devices for online gaming, online gambling, internet shopping, file sharing, or video broadcasting, unless I have permission from a member of staff to do so.
• I will respect others’ work and property and will not access, copy, remove or otherwise alter any other user’s files, without the owner’s knowledge and permission.
• I will be polite and responsible when I communicate with others; I will not use strong, aggressive or inappropriate language and I appreciate that others may have different opinions.
• I will not use any digital platform to bully, harass, offend or insult others.
• I will not create, access or distribute any material that may cause offence, including images of staff, pupils, parents or governors.
• I will only use social media sites with staff permission.

I recognise that the school has a responsibility to maintain the security and integrity of the technology it offers me and to ensure the smooth running of the school:

• I will only use my own personal devices (mobile phones, USB devices, etc.) in school if I have permission. I understand that, if I do use my own devices in the academy, I will follow the rules set out in this agreement in the same way as if I was using school equipment.
• I will not try to bypass the filtering/security systems in place.
• I will immediately report any damage or faults involving equipment or software, however this may have happened.
• I will not open any hyperlinks in emails or any attachments to emails, unless I know and trust the person/organisation who sent the email, or if I have any concerns about the validity of the email (due to the risk of the attachment containing viruses or other harmful programs)
• I will not install, attempt to install or store programs of any type on any school device, nor will I try to alter computer settings.
• I will not eat or drink near computer equipment.

When using the internet for research or recreation, I recognise that:

• I should ensure that I have permission to use the original work of others in my own work.
• Where work is protected by copyright, I will not try to download copies (including music and videos).
• When I am using the internet to find information, I should take care to check that the information that I access is accurate.

I understand that I am responsible for my actions, both in and out of school:

• I understand that the school also has the right to take action against me if I am involved in incidents of inappropriate behaviour, that are covered in this agreement, when I am out of school and where they involve my membership of the school community.
• I understand that if I fail to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy Agreement, I will be subject to disciplinary action. This may include loss of access to the school network/internet, detentions, suspension or exclusion, contact with parents/carers and in the event of illegal activities involvement of the police.