Pay OnlineThe aim of this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is to ensure that the pupils of Gaelscoil an Ghoirt Álainn will benefit from learning opportunities offered by the school’s internet resources in a safe and effective manner. Internet use and 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 Therefore, if the school AUP is not adhered to this privilege will be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions as outlined in the AUP will be imposed.
It is envisaged that the school and parent representatives will revise the AUP annually. Before signing, the AUP should be read carefully to indicate that the conditions of use are acceptable and understood.
The school will employ 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 and/or equivalent system will be used in order to minimise the risk of exposure to inappropriate material.
- The school will regularly monitor pupils’ Internet safety.
- Students and teachers will be provided with training 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 in school requires a teacher’s permission.
- Students will observe good ‘netiquette’ (ie etiquette on the Internet) at all times and will not undertake any actions that may bring the school into disrepute.
World Wide Web
- Students will not visit Internet sites that contain obscene, illegal, hateful or otherwise objectionable materials.
- Students will use the Internet for educational purposes only.
- Students will be familiar with copyright issues relating to online learning.
- Students will never disclose or publicise personal information.
- Students will be aware that any usage, including distributing or receiving information, school related or personal, may be monitored for unusual activity, security and / or network management reasons.
- Students will use approved class email accounts under supervision by or permission from a teacher.
- Students will not send or receive any material that is illegal, obscene, defamatory or that is intended to annoy or intimidate another person.
- Students will not reveal their own or other people’s personal details, such as addresses or telephone numbers or pictures.
- Students will never arrange a face to face meeting with someone.
- Students will note that sending and receiving email attachments is subject to permission from their teacher.
Internet Chat
- Students will only have access to chat rooms, discussion forums or other electronic communication forums that have been approved by the school.
- Chat rooms, discussion forums and other electronic communication forums will only be used for educational purpose and will always be supervised.
- Usernames will be used to avoid disclosure of identity.
- Face to face meetings with someone organised via Internet chat will be forbidden.
- Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Viber, What’s App, Kik, Tumblr all have age limits of 13 years of age. Therefore these sites and services will not be used for school use unless for educational purpose which will always be supervised.
Legislation
The school will provide information on the following legislation relating to use of the Internet which teachers, students and parents should familiarise themselves with;
- Child Trafficking and Pornography Bill 1997
- 1993 Interception Act
- Video Recordings Act 1989
- The Data Protection Act 1988
Support Structures
The school will inform students and parents of key support structures and organisations that deal with illegal material or harmful use of the Internet.
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.
Please click here to download a PDF of this policy.
