Appropriate Use

College Network, Internet, Email, Device Use and Mobile Phone Use

Students are responsible for good behaviour on the College computer network.

Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner.

Access is a PRIVILEGE, not a right.

The intentional abuse of EMAIL privileges may result in having the student’s school email account suspended/revoked.

Unauthorised access to another person’s email will be treated seriously and will result in disciplinary action.

The College Network Administrator has the right to review files and communications, to ensure that users are using the system responsibly. The College has the right to archive emails and store information pertaining to web browsing history. Users should not expect files stored on school servers to be private.

What is a Device?

A device means any device including, but not limited to, laptops or mobile devices, regardless of to whom they belong, that are brought on to College property or to College activities, or that are connected to the College's network or facilities.

What devices can students use on the College ERC Network?

Students in Years 7 will exclusively use Apple laptops, while students in Years 8 - 12 are permitted to only use Apple laptops or Google Chromebooks. Other devices are not allowed on the network (e.g. Windows laptops).

The device is to be used as an educational learning tool when at the College. Any installation and use of applications/software/browsers pertaining to SOCIAL MEDIA (e.g. Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, etc) and GAMING are heavily discouraged on school premises. The use of social media and gaming is not beneficial to learning and should not be used at the school. Sharing and collaboration are strongly encouraged through the College’s learning framework.

Can my device be taken and/or accessed by the College?

Your access to and usage of a device may be randomly MONITORED and temporarily withheld and accessed.

Disciplinary action may be taken and files/content may be deleted and your network access suspended if:

  • there has been or may be a breach of the College rules/policy;

  • there may be a threat of harm to a student, others or system security;

  • unacceptable files and/or content is found.

Please read the following:

The College email accounts, blogs, personal web pages, LERA or any other learning based material may be viewed by staff at any time.


I will:

  • Whilst at school, ONLY log on to the Edmund Rice College network or any other digital device using only my USERNAME and PASSWORD provided by the College.

  • Whilst at school, ONLY use technology (including the internet) for learning related activities.

  • Treat all learning technologies with RESPECT and due CARE. (Vandalism or any attempt to harm or destroy the data of others will result in the cancellation of my user rights and further disciplinary action).

  • NOT introduce a virus onto the school network.

  • NOT access, store or send offensive content onto the school network.

  • NOT send unauthorised group emails to other members of the College.

  • NOT send or publish sexually explicit or sexually suggestive material or correspondence.

  • NOT use digital technologies to harass or bully another student.

  • ABIDE by conventions of etiquette and be respectful of others.

  • NOT reveal personal addresses or contact numbers over the internet including my own.

  • CHECK the credentials and reliability of any information obtained from the internet.

  • ABIDE by COPYRIGHT law by not copying and redistributing another person’s work and will acknowledge the owners of copyright works.

  • Understand that my DIGITAL IDENTITY is my responsibility. Therefore, it is imperative to not give my school username and password to any other student at the College.

  • NOT use my SCHOOL EMAIL as a primary address for any non-education websites (e.g. Facebook).

  • Keep my device clean and free of graffiti and stickers.

  • Take all reasonable precautions to ensure that my device is not lost or damaged.

  • NOT give my device to others to use.

  • NOT use my device in the playground BEFORE SCHOOL, DURING RECESS and LUNCH.

  • Regularly BACK UP data.

  • NOT download or upload data that impacts on the network's performance.

  • Whilst at school, not access SOCIAL NETWORK SITES/APPLICATIONS and GAMING SITES/APPLICATIONS.

  • Ensure my device is FULLY CHARGED for the commencement of the school day.

  • Promptly report to staff any inappropriate material that is accidentally accessed.

  • Promptly REPORT ANY DAMAGE to the hardware and/or software to the IT Support team.

  • Be responsible for the payment of any damage to devices.

  • Transport my device in a suitable protective bag at all times.


My parents will be aware of and monitor my use of technological devices and the internet at home.

What happens if I don't comply with the College Policy?

I am aware that if I do not use the College's computer system or devices in accordance with College expectations, the College may take disciplinary action, including limiting or removing my access to the College's computer system, or withholding my device, or even suspending or permanently excluding me from the College.

Advice from https://www.esafety.gov.au:

Digital Citizenship

When you are online:

  • respect the rights of others to participate and have an opinion

  • ask before tagging other people or posting photos

  • report offensive or illegal content

  • stand up and speak out about cyberbullying — protect your friends

  • don't respond to hurtful or nasty comments — block and report cyberbullying

  • speak to your parents or trusted adult about upsetting online experiences

  • report threats of violence to the police (collect the evidence to show them).

If you are using social media consider the following:

  • Engage with only ‘friended’ people you know

  • Set up your security

  • Learn how to report any trouble

  • Keep it strong and proud

  • Fix your privacy settings

Sexting

  • Report it to your school or the police if you want to

  • You're not alone, you can always call Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800


Cyberbullying FAQs

Still not sure about making a complaint or have a question—go to https://www.esafety.gov.au/report/cyberbullying


Games and Apps and Social Networking misuse advice go to

https://www.esafety.gov.au/esafety-information/games-apps-and-social-networking