Internet Usage Policy

It is very important that you develop an acceptable use policy for your school's computer network. Acceptable use policies are necessary for many reasons:

• They help educate both students and their parents about the kinds of tools they will use on the network and what they can expect from those tools (in a very general way).
• They help to define boundaries of behavior as well as to specify the consequences of violating those boundaries.
• They specify the actions that the system administrator might take in order to monitor the network.

It is important to recognize that these policies may change at any time and that students, parents and staff need to be kept up to date with these policy changes. Some critical elements that need to be considered when designing a district Acceptable Use Policy include:

• Purpose/Educational Goals: This section should include a description of the instructional philosophies related to Internet access in schools--why did your school install a network to access Internet information? What are some of the educational uses and advantages of the Internet?
• Conduct and User Responsibilities: An AUP should include a list of the responsibilities of educators, parents, and students for using the Internet, as well as a description of what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable use of the Internet. What is the code of conduct which governs student behavior on the Internet? What information can users access and from where? It is important to remember that the AUP is in compliance with state and national telecommunication rules and regulations and this may be indicated with user responsibility.
• Consequences: It is important to clearly outline the consequences that will be enforced if the AUP is violated.
• Personal Safety: It is important to include a statement reminding users that Internet access and the use of computer networks is a privilege and indicating what students should do to keep themselves safe. A disclaimer may be included absolving the school division, under specific circumstances, from responsibility.
• Consent: There must be a signature form for teachers, parents, and students indicating their intent to abide by the AUP. You must also consider who will collect and file these annually if you do want signatures.

This AUP needs to be reviewed at all levels. Click HERE for a sample of an elementary level AUP