SCHOOL ICT POLICY

1. Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

Objective:
To outline acceptable and responsible use of the school’s ICT resources by students, teachers,
and staff, ensuring technology is used to support the educational mission and personal
development.

Policy:

• Authorized Use: ICT resources, including computers, internet access, and devices
provided by the school, are intended to support academic, educational, and administrative
activities.
• Prohibited Activities:
o Accessing inappropriate content (e.g., explicit material, violence, hate speech,
illegal websites).
o Engaging in cyberbullying, harassment, or online threats.
o Using school ICT resources for personal financial gain, illegal activities, or non-
educational purposes (e.g., gaming, gambling, unauthorized social media use).
• Monitoring: The school reserves the right to monitor all use of school ICT systems and
networks to ensure compliance with this policy. This includes internet browsing, email,
and use of school-provided devices.
• Consequences: Violations of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary actions,
which may include a warning, suspension of technology access, or other measures,
depending on the severity of the offense.

2. Data Protection and Privacy Policy

Objective:
To ensure the protection of student, teacher, and staff data in compliance with privacy laws,
ensuring that personal and sensitive data is handled appropriately and securely.

Policy:

• Data Collection and Use: Personal data collected from students, staff, and parents will
be used solely for educational and administrative purposes, including grading,
attendance, and communication. All data collection will comply with relevant privacy
laws (e.g., GDPR, FERPA).
• Data Access: Access to personal data will be restricted to authorized personnel only.
Staff and students should not access or share personal data unless necessary for their
roles.
 • Data Storage: All personal data will be securely stored on school servers, encrypted, and
regularly backed up. Sensitive data, such as medical information or disciplinary records,
will be stored separately with additional safeguards.
• Data Sharing: Data will not be shared with third parties without appropriate consent
from the data subject (e.g., student or parent) unless required by law.
• Data Retention: Personal data will only be retained for as long as necessary to fulfill
educational and legal obligations and will be securely disposed of when no longer
needed.

3. Cybersecurity and Internet Safety Policy

Objective:
To ensure the security of the school’s digital infrastructure and safeguard students and staff from
cybersecurity threats such as hacking, malware, and online predators.

Policy:

• Network Security: All school networks, including Wi-Fi, must be secured with
appropriate passwords, encryption, and firewalls to prevent unauthorized access.
• Device Security: All devices (computers, tablets, smartphones) used by students and
staff must have up-to-date antivirus software and security patches.
• Safe Internet Use: Students will be taught about online safety, including how to protect
personal information, avoid phishing scams, and identify cyberbullying.
• Content Filtering: All internet access will be monitored and filtered to block access to
inappropriate or harmful websites (e.g., explicit content, social media platforms) during
school hours.
• Incident Reporting: Students and staff should report any suspicious activity,
cyberbullying, or cybersecurity incidents immediately to the designated IT staff or school
authorities.
• Mobile Device Use: Personal mobile devices may only be used in school with the
consent of teachers or administration and must adhere to the school’s acceptable use
guidelines.

4. Digital Citizenship and Online Conduct Policy

Objective:
To promote positive and responsible behavior when using technology and interacting with others
online, ensuring that students and staff uphold the values of respect, responsibility, and safety in
the digital space.

Policy:
 • Respectful Communication: Students and staff should communicate respectfully online,
avoiding inappropriate language, cyberbullying, and offensive behavior. Harassment,
discrimination, and threats of any kind will not be tolerated.
• Ethical Use of Resources: Students and staff should use digital resources responsibly,
ensuring they do not plagiarize, share copyrighted materials illegally, or misuse school
resources for non-educational purposes.
• Social Media: Students and staff must be aware of their digital footprint. They are
encouraged to use social media responsibly and not post content that could harm the
school’s reputation or violate the rights of others.
• Cyberbullying Prevention: The school takes a strong stance against cyberbullying and
will take disciplinary action against any student or staff member involved in
cyberbullying or harassment online. Resources for counseling and support will be
available to affected individuals.

5. Device Management and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policy

Objective:
To define the guidelines for the use of personal devices (BYOD) in the school environment and
ensure that all devices used in the school meet security standards.

Policy:

• Authorized Devices: Students may bring their own devices (laptops, tablets,
smartphones) for educational purposes, but they must be registered with the school’s IT
department for security reasons.
• Device Security: All personal devices must meet the school’s security standards,
including the use of passwords, encryption, and up-to-date antivirus software.
• Responsible Use: Personal devices must be used in accordance with the school’s
acceptable use policy. They should not be used to access inappropriate content, engage in
non-educational activities, or disrupt classroom activities.
• Network Access: Personal devices may only connect to the school’s network after
receiving authorization from the IT department. Devices must comply with the school’s
network security protocols, including the use of a secure Wi-Fi connection.
• Loss or Damage: The school is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to personal
devices. Students are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to safeguard their
devices.

6. Software and Application Usage Policy

Objective:
To ensure that all software and applications used within the school are legally licensed,
appropriate for educational use, and meet the school’s security standards.
Policy:

• Authorized Software: Only software and applications that have been vetted and
authorized by the school’s IT department are permitted to be installed on school devices
or accessed through the school network.
• License Compliance: All software used by the school must be properly licensed.
Unauthorized or pirated software is strictly prohibited.
• Educational Use: Software and applications should be used solely for educational
purposes, including classroom activities, research, and academic assignments. Personal
use of school-provided software should be minimal and in accordance with the acceptable
use policy.
• Monitoring: All software usage may be monitored to ensure compliance with the policy.
The school may restrict access to non-educational software or applications during school
hours.