Writhlington School's ICT - Internet and Computer Network Acceptable Use Policy

Introduction

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all users of Writhlington School's ICT network, including Internet connection understand the way in which the all ICT resources are to be used. The policy aims to ensure that the Internet and Network are used effectively for their intended purpose, without infringing legal requirements or creating unnecessary risk.

By logging into or using any part (server, workstation, portal, website, wireless access point etc.) of Writhlington School's ICT network infrastructure all users are agreeing to all terms and conditions of this policy

Policy statement

Writhlington School encourages users to make effective use of the Internet and computer network. Such use should always be lawful and appropriate. It should not compromise Writhlington School's information and computer systems nor have the potential to damage Writhlington School's reputation.

Please read this policy carefully as you will be deemed to be aware of its contents.

Use of Internet and computer network facilities

Writhlington School expects all users to use the Internet and computer network responsibly and strictly according to the following conditions. For the purposes of this document, Internet usage means any connection to the Internet via Web browsing, external email or news groups.

Users shall not:

Visit Internet sites, make, download or pass on material, remarks, proposals or comments that contain or relate to:

• pornography (including child pornography)
• promoting discrimination of any kind
• promoting racial or religious hatred
• promoting illegal acts
• attempt to bypass Writhlington School's chosen Internet content filtering solution
• participate in on line chat rooms
• any other information which may be offensive to colleagues

Incidents which appear to involve deliberate access to Web sites, newsgroups and on line groups that contain the following material will be reported to the Police:

• images of child abuse (images of children, apparently under 16 years old) involved in sexual activity or posed to be sexually provocative
• adult material that potentially breaches the Obscene Publications Act in the UK
• criminally racist material in the UK

Users shall not:

• Attempt to, or use other user's login accounts
• Share personal login account information with others
• Attempt to store music, media or any other files where copyright issues may be of concern
• Use Writhlington School's facilities for running a private business
• Upload, download, or otherwise transmit (make, produce or distribute) commercial software or any copyrighted materials belonging to third parties
• Reveal or publicise confidential or proprietary information, which includes but is not limited to:financial information, personal information, databases and the information contained therein, computer/network access codes, and business relationships
• Intentionally interfere with the normal operation of the Network/Internet connection, including the propagation of computer viruses and sustained high volume network traffic (sending and receiving of large or small files or any activity that causes network congestion) that substantially hinders others in their use of the Internet, or ICT network
• Use the Internet from any location (in or outside school) for soliciting, representing personal opinions or revealing confidential information or in any other way that could reasonably be considered inappropriate

Incidents which contravene this policy will be dealt with by the usual school disciplinary procedures