Scotch College

Internet Acceptable Use Policy:

Educational Rationale:

As part of our educational curriculum at the Junior School we are aiming to develop the research and communication skills in all of our boys. In doing this, we wish to carry out research in the most efficient and current means of doing this.

Using the Internet and email allows students:

• To access vast libraries of information throughout the world.
• To interact with other users.
• To publish work of their own.
• To develop and acquire knowledge and skills useful to their lives.

As a medium for these its potential is boundless, however with this access there comes some risk. People using the Internet, despite the use of programs that limit access to certain sites, may encounter inappropriate material or contact undesirable people when communicating. The School is acutely aware of the potential difficulties, however, believe that the benefits far outweigh the potential problems.

As children these days have access to inappropriate material through many sources, we are trying to instill in our boys appropriate values and the ability to be 'self censoring'. In allowing use of the Internet and email at school, we believe that parents and boys must be aware of all aspects of Internet use and join with the school in accepting an Acceptable Use policy. We also encourage parents to be mindful of their child's use of the Internet at home.

The Junior School has set down the following guidelines:

• Students must only use the Internet and email with adult permission and supervision.
• Students must not seek out inappropriate material. This includes racist, pornographic, irreligious or material with obscene language.
• Students must not break copyright laws or present copied information as their own. (Seek teacher guidance with this matter.)
• Students should not interfere with others' work.

Failure to abide by these guidelines will result in students being refused access to the Internet and email.

Guidelines for Parents

The following site contains some fantastic information regarding Internet use in the home. It has been created by the Australian Braodcasting Authority and is suitable for all members of the family:

• http://www.aba.gov.au/family/index.html