Dear Parent(s)/Guardians

This background information may be helpful as you read through and discuss the cybersafety use agreement with your student. 

1. I know I cannot use the school ICT equipment until my parent(s) have signed the use agreement and it has been returned to school. 

All students must have a use agreement signed by their parent. Students sign their use agreements along with their parents. Use agreements are an essential part of cybersafety policy and programmes for schools and other organisations.

2. I can only use the computers and other school ICT equipment for my school work.

This helps to ensure the equipment is available when students need to use it for their learning. It will also help to reduce the likelihood of any inappropriate activities taking place which put the safety of the learning environment at risk.

3. If I am unsure whether I am allowed to do something involving ICT, I will ask the teacher first.

This helps students to take responsibility for their own actions, and seek advice when they are unsure of what to do. It provides an opportunity for the teacher and student to work through an issue, and so avoid the student making an unwise decision which could possibly lead to serious consequences.

4. If I have my own username, I will log on only with that username. 

I will not allow anyone else to use my username. The username is the unique identity by which the network recognises an individual. There are never two users with the same username, and this allows the school to track the activity of any student. A username could be misused if a student’s password was known and then used by others.

5. I will not tell anyone else my password.

Passwords perform two main functions. Firstly, they help to ensure only approved persons can access the school ICT facilities. Secondly, they are used to track how those facilities are used. Knowing how the equipment is being used and by whom, helps the school to maintain a cybersafe environment for all users, and teaches the student the importance of personal security.

6. I can only go online or access the Internet at school when a teacher gives permission, and an adult is present.

There must be an educational purpose for students being online or accessing the Internet at school. Having an adult present (teacher or teacher’s aide) will help to ensure students safety.

7. I understand that I must not, at any time use the Internet, email, mobile phones or any ICT equipment to be mean, rude, offensive or to bully, harass, or in any way harm anyone else connected to our school, or the school itself, even if it is meant as a ‘joke’. 

Unfortunately, along with many benefits, technology has also provided new ways to carry out anti-social activities. Bullying and harassment by social media or messaging, for example, is becoming a major problem in New Zealand and in many other countries. Often students become involved in these acts through peer pressure, without thinking of the consequences.

8. While at school, I will not:

a. Attempt to search for things online I know are not acceptable at our school. This could include anything that is rude or violent or uses unacceptable language such as swearing.

b. Make any attempt to get around, or bypass, security, monitoring and filtering that is in place at our school. The school has a number of steps in place to prevent students accessing inappropriate or illegal material. 

The students also have an individual role to play in this proceess by not attempting to access information they know will not be acceptable at school. Disciplinary procedures will result if a student is attempting to bypass school Internet filtering or security systems.

9. I understand that I must not download or copy any files such as music, videos, games or programmes without the permission of a teacher. This is to ensure we are following copyright laws.

Many files available on the Internet are covered by copyright and although they can be easily downloaded, it may be illegal to do so. Sometimes these files can contain malicious content such as viruses,spyware programs or even inappropriate, age-restricted or illegal material.

10. I will not connect any device (such as a USB drive, camera or phone) to school ICT or run any software without a teacher’s permission. This includes wireless technologies.

Connecting devices and installing software bought from home may cause conflicts with the school ICT systems. The school must also abide by software licensing requirements included with software. This means that if the school has not purchased the software, the school may not be legally entitled to install it.

11. I will ask my teacher’s permission before I put any personal information online. I will also get permission from any other person involved. Personal information includes: name, address, email address, phone numbers, and photos.

This reduces the risk of students being contacted by someone who wishes to upset or harm them, or use their identity for purposes which might compromise students privacy or security online.

12. I will respect all school ICT and treat ICT equipment/devices with care. This includes not intentionally disrupting the smooth running of any school ICT systems, not attempting to hack or gain unauthorised access to any system, following all school cybersafety rules, not joining in if other students choose to be irresponsible with ICT, and reporting any breakages/damage to a staff member.

In addition to promoting student safety, the rules help the school to protect the considerable investments made in expensive ICT equipment. Intentionally disrupting ICT systems will be seen by the school as intentionally setting out to disrupt the learning of others.

13. I understand that if I break these rules, the school may need to inform my parent(s). In serious cases the school may take disciplinary action against me. I also understand that my family may be charged for repair costs.

Depending on the seriouness of the breach, possible school responses could include one or more of the following: a discussion with the student, informing parent(s), loss of ICT privileges, the family possibily having responsibility for repair/replacement costs, the school taking disciplinary action.

* The term ‘parent’ used throughout this document also refers to caregivers and legal guardians.