Student Online Safety & ICT Acceptable Use Policy – Student and Parental Agreement

The use of ICT is an integral element of learning in our school. In making this as successful and as beneficial as possible, we expect all learners to act safely and responsibly when using technology both within and outside of the school environment.

The enclosed ICT Acceptable Use Policy forms part of the wider School eSafety Policy and in association with both the school’s Behaviour Management Policy and Home-School Agreement, outlines those principles we expect our students to uphold for the benefit of both themselves and the wider school community. Your support in achieving these aims is essential and we ask that you read and discuss the ICT Acceptable Use Policy with your child.

Section A: General ICT Use Policy – Students

I will only use ICT systems in school, including the Internet, e-mail, digital video, mobile technologies, etc. for school purposes.
I will not use USB memory sticks in school.
I will not download or install software on school personal computers.
I will only log on to school computers and email with my own username and password.
I will follow the school’s ICT security system, not reveal my passwords to anyone, and change them regularly.
I will only use my school email address unless my teacher tells me to do otherwise.
I will ensure that all ICT communications with students, teachers or others are responsible and sensible.
I will be responsible for my behaviour when using any online system (including the Internet, email, and social media). This includes the resources I access and the language I use.
I will not deliberately browse, download/upload or forward material that could be considered offensive or illegal. If I accidentally come across any such material, I will report it immediately to my teacher.
I will not give out personal information such as my name, phone number or address. I will not arrange to meet someone unless this is part of a school activity approved by my teacher.
I will not take pictures or create videos without my teachers’ permission, and I will not distribute or post photos or videos without the school’s consent.
I will ensure that my online activity, both within and outside school, does not distress my school, the staff, students, or others or bring them into disrepute.
I will ensure that my online activity respects the school community and does not impact the smooth running of our systems or the learning of others.
I will always respect the privacy and ownership of others’ work online.
I will not use ICT to copy another student’s work or pass someone else’s work off as my own.
I will not attempt to bypass the Internet filtering system or any other security system.
I understand that my use of the Internet and other related technologies is monitored and logged and can be made available to my teachers.
I understand that these rules are designed to keep me safe and that if they are not followed, school sanctions will be applied, disciplinary action will be taken, and my parents/ carer may be contacted.
I will report any activity by others which is not in keeping with these rules.
I understand that I am responsible for the content on any school computer or device and will not allow other people to misuse these resources.

Section B: iPads and Chromebooks (‘devices’)

These rules are designed to keep everyone safe, ensure that mobile devices are used appropriately and help us be fair to everyone. This agreement applies at all times and in all locations.

The school owns all devices ordered through the school until the end of the lease term.
I will bring my device to school daily, fully charged and in the protective case.
I will always behave responsibly when using my device.
I will not deliberately damage my device or another person’s device in school. I will take good care of my device and always use the case provided. I understand that if I remove the case, the insurance is invalidated, and if there is any damage, my parents will be charged the full repair cost.
I will not open or attempt to open the device’s main casing, and I understand that doing so invalidates the warranty.
I will only use my device in school when a staff member has permitted me to do so. I understand that my device must always be stored in my bag unless directed by a member of staff.
I will use the device for schoolwork and homework as directed by my teachers and parents/carers.
I will ensure I know where my device is at all times; I will not leave it unattended (unless directed by staff and in a place locked by a member of staff).
I will not apply decorations or stickers to school-owned devices.
I will not swap my device with another student.
I will not sell, attempt to sell, expose for sale, loan, give away, or dispose of a school device.
I understand that my device (including devices from home) will be linked to our mobile device management system, ensuring I can receive apps and monitor my device effectively. I will not remove or tamper with this system.
I will update my device following any guidance issued by the school and when instructed by the IT team.
I will only access the systems and my device with my username/password.
I will not access another person’s device or storage or interfere with other people’s work or files.
I will not use the device for illegal activities, such as using the school’s internet or e-mail accounts for financial or commercial gain.
I will respect copyright.
I will ensure that sounds are muted at all times unless permission is obtained from the teacher.
I will not view, send, access, upload, download or distribute offensive, threatening, pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit materials. I will not try to create, share or distribute potentially embarrassing content. I will report any such activity by others if I become aware of it.
I will not take photos of other students or teachers without their permission. I understand that the school holds a register of students who are not allowed to have their photographs taken under any circumstances. Therefore, I will not take photos or post any images/movies taken in school on the Internet, e.g. via social network websites, unless I have the express permission of a member of staff.
I will not remove school applications from the device unless told otherwise by a member of staff. Regarding school-owned devices, I agree not to change any configuration settings, erase the device on another computer, synchronise the device with another computer, clear my browser history or remove any network profiles without permission of a member of the IT team.
I will not use inappropriate media as a screensaver or background photo.
I understand that any messages I send must be polite, and spamming or mass emailing is not acceptable.
I will report any unpleasant material or messages sent to me.
I will ensure that I bring the device to school each day and that it is fully charged at the beginning of the school day; I will only use genuine Apple chargers, as I understand that ‘copy’ or fake brands pose a fire risk.
I understand that the school may check my device and any saved content. The school will monitor the internet sites I visit in school, and I agree to hand my device over for inspection when requested by any member of staff or by my parents/ carers.
All staff have the right to use ‘Guided Access’ systems to lock my device down to one app if required.
Outside of school, we (the family) understand that we bear responsibility for guidance that should also be exercised with information sources such as television, telephones, films, radio, social media, and other potentially offensive media.
I will manage the files on my device and back up important work to my school Google Drive account.
I will not use Virtual Private Network apps on my device, or make any other attempt to bypass the wifi system.
The use of unprotected mobile data systems by main school students, including hotspots, is forbidden.
I will set a suitable passcode, in line with school IT policy, and Touch ID on my iPad for security purposes.
I understand the school reserves the right to amend and add to this agreement anytime.

Points to note:

If the School suspects or finds that an iPad has been misused (whether school-owned or not):

The school reserves the right to confiscate an iPad.
The school reserves the right to disable a school iPad.
The school may withdraw permission to take a school-owned iPad home.
The school may withdraw permission to bring an iPad into school.
The school may withdraw internet or network access.
The school will consider the impact of any breach of security policies (whether intentional or otherwise) on any sanctions imposed. In line with existing school behaviour policies, additional disciplinary action may be added.
The school reserves the right to contact the police, local authority, or other agencies if applicable.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are now widespread and easy to access. We recognise that AI has many uses to help pupils learn, but may also lend itself to cheating and plagiarism. Be aware that the minimum age for ChatGPT (including Canva) is 13, Gemini (Google) is 13 and Copilot (Microsoft) is 18. (April 2025: access to Gemini using a school account is restricted). Therefore, the use of AI apps is not permitted until students are in Year 9.

Students in Year 9 and above may use AI tools:

As a research tool to help them find out about new topics and ideas
When specifically studying and discussing AI in schoolwork, for example, in IT lessons or art homework about AI-generated images. All AI-generated content must be attributed appropriately

Students must take care to check the accuracy of their work, and be aware of broader issues such as inaccuracy, bias and inappropriate content.

Students may not use AI tools:

To submit personal information, relating either to themselves or others
To write their homework or class assignments, where AI-generated text is presented as their own work.
During assessments, including internal and external assessments and coursework. JCQ have specific regulations regarding the use of AI. Instances where students attempt to pass off AI-generated content as their own, or where AI use has not been properly acknowledged, will be considered malpractice.
To submit their own work. Many AI systems utilise copyrighted works to train their models, which would violate copyright law.

We consider any unattributed use of AI-generated text or imagery to be plagiarism and will follow our plagiarism procedures. Students must respect copyright law

Never submit personal or sensitive information into an AI tool. Be aware that AI tools are only as accurate as the information they’re trained on. They may generate responses that are incorrect, biased or inappropriate.

Appropriate use of devices in school

Some teachers will use devices in lessons more than others. Device use will vary dramatically throughout the year as some lessons/topics may be more suited to using new technology than others. Please do not expect to use your iPad instantly and constantly. Your teacher will gradually introduce activities that require the use of your device.

Using the device in school is always at your teacher’s discretion. If your teacher hasn’t asked you to use the device then it should be kept out of the way in your school bag. If your teacher feels that you have not been using the iPad responsibly then they will ask you to put it away and may issue a suitable sanction.

Health

Be aware of the amount of time you spend using your device. If you spend a significant amount of time on the device at home, please ensure that you take regular breaks.

Personal Safety

Although the likelihood of being approached outside of school by someone trying to steal the device is slim, all students must act safely to limit this risk.

Ensure the device is in your bag when walking to and from school. Follow the usual advice about keeping safe, for example, not walking around alone when it is dark and ensuring that an adult knows where you are. If approached, hand the device over. It is insured and can be tracked. It will not be lost if your work is backed up to iCloud or Google Drive. If this happens, please get in touch with the school and the police as soon as possible. This allows us to track the device and remotely disable it.

Email Etiquette

Email is a key means of communication between staff and students. Any essential emails to staff, such as those sent to hand in work, should always be politely written. Please see our Communications Policy.

You should endeavour to speak to your teachers directly. However, if an email is necessary, please be aware that the response time is 3-5 working days.
When emailing your teachers, greet them politely and always use their full title: e.g. Hello Sir / Miss or Dear Mr Roper, Dear Ms Marsland.
Add a brief, accurate subject line to your email. Ideally, you should state your class and what the email is about.
Keep it short and to the point and be polite.
Do not use all capital letters or too many exclamation marks – this can convey feelings of anger or shouting.
Do not use text message language or slang.
The email should be written like you would write a letter.
Check the content for spelling errors and grammatical mistakes.
Sign off the email with your full name and an appropriate closing phrase such as ‘Kind regards’.

Phishing Emails and Ransomware

Always be on the lookout for suspicious emails. Never click on links or attachments if they don’t look quite right.

iPad use at Home

Teachers may set home learning on the device and the usual sanctions will be used if this work is not completed. The use of any technology in the home is under the guidance of parents.

Every school-owned device will have a security policy applied that limits the content your child can view or download. We strongly recommend parents who allow their child to bring their own device into school to enable parental controls.

Internet filtering at home is ultimately up to families to manage, though we strongly recommend using a safety filter to block inappropriate content. There are a number of free or commercial packages available, including filtering policies that can be applied to home wireless routers.

Social Media

We realise that social media is a part of modern-day life and accept that students may (subject to age restrictions) install social media apps on the device to use at home. Please note however that we do not allow students to have social media apps in school.

Some social apps, including Snapchat, are completely blocked on all school devices to safeguard the wellbeing of our school community.

Repairs – loss or damage to school devices

Please see the iPad page of the school website for further information.

The cases we use to protect school devices are strong, so we expect breakages to be the exception rather than the norm.

If a school device is accidentally damaged and requires repair, it should be dropped off in B36 before or after school and, subject to availability, a replacement device will be loaned to the student until the repair is completed. If the damage is so extensive that repair is impossible, the student will be issued a replacement device of a similar age. Our insurance does not cover breakages or damage to the device if it was not in the protective case or if a repair has been attempted by someone not connected to the school.

Accidents do happen. There is a difference, however, between accidents and negligence. If, following investigation, the device is deemed to have been intentionally or negligently damaged by the student, the full cost of replacement or repair will be billed. Cosmetic wear and tear, such as scratches and minor damage to the device, will not normally be repaired if the function of the device is not significantly affected. The school will replace the device with a device of similar age if it is stolen. We can disable the device if necessary. Any theft outside of school must be reported to the school and the police as soon as possible.

We will not cover the cost of any additional items that are damaged, lost, or stolen. This includes devices such as Apple Pencils or other styluses, keyboards, earphones, or headphones. We strongly advise that parents engrave or write their child’s name on any accessories. If another student is responsible for loss or damage to a device, the school may contact that child’s parents to request a contribution to the cost of repair/replacement or payment for the repair/replacement in full.

Students are responsible for ensuring that their device is regularly backed up to iCloud or Google Drive. The school is not responsible for any content that is lost or deleted.

Lost or damaged chargers and cables

The school will not be responsible for chargers and leads that are lost or go missing since these should be kept at home. Replacement leads can be bought cheaply. Chargers are more expensive – please ensure that genuine Apple chargers are always used as cheap variants have been known to overheat.

Please note – the school is not responsible for any damage, loss or theft of any privately owned devices that are brought into school. We strongly advise parents allowing their child to bring their own iPad into school to make their own arrangements for insuring the device.

Warranty

The device is covered by a 12-month warranty. If a device develops a fault, it should be dropped off in B36 before or after school. If a quick solution is not possible, subject to availability, a loan device of a similar age will be issued while a warranty repair is organised.

Ownership

Devices remain the property of Haslingden High School until the end of the loan period. The device is yours to keep at the end of this period at no extra cost. Please keep the original packaging, as this helps the resale value of the iPad at the end of the scheme, as it may be possible to trade the iPad in for a newer one. If you decide not to renew your child’s iPad in Year 9, we will keep our restrictions on the iPad until your child leaves at the end of Year 11. Our restriction policy provides wifi access, allows us to deploy or remove apps, and ensures students stay safe in school.

Installing Apps

The device will be provided with a core suite of paid and free apps that cover the majority of instances where students will use their devices in school or at home.

We want to encourage students to explore and find their own apps to help their learning. Students can, therefore, install free apps from the App Store. To do this, students will need to create their own Apple ID, linked to their school email address.

Fair Use

Students may use their devices at home for non-learning activities such as casual browsing. They may download additional apps, subject to the age restrictions and policies set by the manufacturer. Students must be mindful not to use up all the space on the device and that their activity on the device does not break any of the rules stated above.

Space

School-owned iPads have 32GB or 64GB of memory, which should be more than adequate for storing apps and files. Students should save files to Google Drive, which enables them to be accessed from any device or location. iCloud is also available to back up files and apps.

Our MDM (Mobile Device Manager) allows us to see how full a device is getting and we will ask students to free space on their device if necessary.

Age Restrictions on Apple IDs, AI and other apps:

We use a wide range of apps for teaching and learning in school. Many of these are cloud-based and have manufacturer policies requiring us to collect parental consent. All Google products, including Gemini, Microsoft Office and Office 365, Canva and ChatGPT, for example, have a minimum age of 13 and require us to collect permission from a parent before a child can use them. By agreeing to our IT Acceptable Use Policy (i.e. the terms set out on this page), you are also providing consent for your child to use the range of learning apps we use in school. When your child joins Haslingden High School, we will collect your consent during the admissions process.

Holding an Apple ID is not permitted until a student is 13 years old. This is to comply with US legislation. Therefore, we ask that parents set up these accounts for their son/daughter for children starting in Year 7. For more information, view here:

http://www.apple.com/education/docs/Apple_ID_Parent_Guide.pdf

More information about the terms of use of the apps we use can be found here:

Canva: https://www.canva.com/policies/terms-of-use/

ChatGPT: https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8313401-is-chatgpt-safe-for-all-ages

Google: https://workspace.google.com/terms/user_features/?sjid=8661424445440559438-EU

Please note that students are not permitted to use AI apps until they are in Year 9.