Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy - Norman ...

ACCEPTABLE USAGE
POLICY FOR INTERNET,
NETWORK FACILITIES AND
TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES
INTRODUCTION
The use of technological devices and the internet and network facilities available at Norman
Henshilwood High School (NHHS) are to be used in a responsible and legal manner only. This
Acceptable Usage Policy serves to provide regulations and guidelines for usage of technological devices
and the internet and network facilities at NHHS, and, together with the Code of Conduct of NHHS, will
govern the manner in which you use the aforementioned facilities at NHHS.
In the context of this policy:
“Internet and Network Facilities” include but are not limited to:
o The NHHS internet connection that allows for connectivity to the online World Wide Web
o The NHHS internal network
o The NHHS Intranet, as well as private sites only accessible within the NHHS internal
network
“Technological devices” include but are not limited to:
o Electronic tablet devices
o Mobile phones or Smart phones
o Laptop computers
o Desktop computers
o Handheld PDA devices
Both definitions listed above are at the discretion of NHHS, and may be adjusted at any time as deemed
fit by NHHS.
USAGE OF INTERNET AND NETWORK FACILITIES
ACCEPTABLE USE:
The internet and networking facilities at NHHS shall be used for following purposes only:
Direct educational purposes
Accessing information for educational and/or academic research
Constructive communication with other internet or network facilities users
UNACCEPTABLE USE:
The following actions, noted per category, are deemed as unacceptable usage of the internet and
networking facilities at NHHS:
Personal Safety
Posting personal contact information or pictures online or within the network for intent other
than direct educational purposes
Arranging physical meetings of “online friends” without prior parent approval.
Failure to disclose inappropriate content experienced when using the facilities.
Illegal Activities and System Security
Attempting to gain unauthorised access to the internet or any other computer
system using the NHHS network.
Attempting to gain unauthorised access to the NHHS network, intranet or databases at any time.
Using any other learner or staff member’s account to access the internet or the NHHS network
and/or intranet.
Using any other learner or staff member’s account to access the files of any other person.
Making any deliberate attempts to disrupt the usage of the NHHS internet or network facilities by
other learners or staff members
Making any deliberate attempts to destroy the data of other NHHS learners or staff members by
spreading computer viruses or by any other means.
Divulging your NHHS login credentials to another person.

Inappropriate Language – for public or private messages
Using any obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, inflammatory, threatening, racist, sexist, impolite or
disrespectful language within any digital content.
Violations of Privacy
Forwarding a message that was sent to you confidentially, without the consent of the person who
sent you the message.
Posting personal information or pictures of another person online or within the network for intent
other than direct educational purposes
Altering or editing pictures or videos of another person for intent other than direct educational
purposes.
Inappropriate Access to material
Using the internet and/or network facilities to access material that is obscene or sexually explicit
(pornography)
Using the internet and/or network facilities to access material that advocates violence or
discrimination towards other people.
Plagiarism and Copyright Infringements
Plagiarising content found online or within the network
Infringing on copyrights by reproducing content that is protected by a copyright.
Bandwidth and Resource Violations
Downloading or copying any audio or video files, software applications or games using the internet
and/or network facilities without the permission of an ITC Staff Member or without the
permission of the teacher in charge of the computer laboratory.
Posting or emailing chain letters.
Engage in email or message spamming.
Sending emails or messages to the global list of learners or staff at NHHS.
Participating in or making use of instant messaging, internet chat, Listservs, Bulletin Boards,
Telnet, SMS or similar activities without obtaining staff permission to do so.
Using the internet and/or network facilities for playing games, both online as well as LAN based
games.
Storing unnecessary files, data or content that consumes excessive storage resources of NHHS
facilities.
Any accidental or mistaken usage of the facilities that is deemed unacceptable must be reported to
the relevant teacher or authority immediately.
USAGE OF TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES
Technological devices are used at NHHS specifically for educational purposes. The equipment
represents a great financial investment, and learners are expected to respect the equipment of the
school, the staff, and fellow learners. Technological devices are to be used only according to this policy,
and no untoward behaviour will be tolerated.
ACCEPTABLE USE:
The internet and networking facilities at NHHS shall be used for following purposes only:
Direct educational purposes
Accessing information for educational and/or academic research
Constructive and responsible communication.
UNACCEPTABLE USE:
The following actions are deemed as unacceptable usage of technological devices at NHHS:
Watching any video files without permission from the teacher during lesson time.
Listening to audio files without permission from the teacher during lesson time.
Using email facilities without permission from the teacher during lesson time.
Changing screen savers, backgrounds or settings on any technological devices belonging to NHHS.
Using the technological devices of a fellow learner of staff member without the explicit consent of
that person.
Playing games on technological devices during lesson time.
Eating or drinking in, or bringing any form of food or liquid into the computer laboratory.

Eating or drinking in, or bringing any form of food or liquid into lessons that will make use of
technological devices.
Using the computer laboratory when a lesson other than their own is in progress.
Printing a document before payment has been made to the ITC staff or to the teacher in staff.
LICENSING
It is the responsibility of the learner or member of staff to ensure that all the appropriate software
licensing and content ownership requirements are in place for any and all software and digital
content installed, stored or contained on personal technological devices. NHHS therefore indemnifies
itself against any legal or corrective action that may arise as a result of inappropriate or inadequate
licensing requirements on personal technological devices.
SECURITY
It is of the utmost importance that special attention is given to the security aspects surrounding the
usage of technological devices at the school. While the school undertakes to assist with matters of
device security within reason, the ultimate responsibility and accountability for security of personal
technological devices lies with the learner or member of staff. As such:
All technological devices belonging to NHHS may not be removed from the NHHS premises without
prior permission from the appropriate channels to do so.
Learners take full responsibility for the safekeeping of any personal technological devices brought
to the school, both at school as well as during any travelling to and from school.
The school may not be held liable for any losses or theft of personal devices incurred by learners
or staff.
The school may not be held liable for any damages caused to personal devices on the school
premises or during any commutes to and from school.
Learners must limit the spread of electronic viruses and device exploits by ensuring that all
personal technological devices brought to school have the appropriate, relevant and updated antivirus
software installed, where applicable.
GENERAL
Each learner has full responsibility for his/her account and anything that is sent from or stored in
that account. The learners are expected never to access, keep or send anything that they would not
like their parents or teachers to see. Accordingly, if a teacher suspects that a learner is using a
technology device for purposes other than educational purposes, that teacher will be entitled, and
indeed expected, to intervene and inspect the contents of the device to determine whether the facility
has been or is being used for a purpose which is contrary to school policy. The Principal (or his
appointed delegate) has the right to investigate the email and account of any learner who is
suspected of transgressing the rules or the spirit of this Acceptable Usage Policy.
The use of personal technological devices and the internet is a privilege and not a right, and
may be revoked if abused.
Violation of this Acceptable Usage Policy is subject to a disciplinary review and may result in one of
more of the following disciplinary consequences:
Suspension of technological device access
Revocation of technological device access
Suspension of internet and/or network facilities access
Revocation of internet and/or network facilities access
Other disciplinary action by the school and School Governing Body
Legal action and prosecution by the authorities.
Please sign the “Acceptable Usage Policy for Internet, Network Facilities and Technological Devices”
Agreement

PARENT PERMISSION FORM
And
LEARNER AGREEMENT
PARENT/GUARDIAN
As a parent/guardian of a learner at Norman Henshilwood High School, I have read the
“Acceptable Usage Policy for Internet, Network Facilities and Technological Devices” and
information about the appropriate use of internet, network facilities and technological devices
at the school.
I understand this agreement will be kept on file at the school.
I understand that it may be necessary to change the terms and conditions of the AUP, and
that I will be informed in writing of any changes.
I agree to accept the terms and conditions as laid out in this policy when allowing my child to
use a personal technological device and/or the school’s internet and network facilities at
NHHS.
Although every care will be taken, I will not hold NHHS, its staff or management liable for loss
or damage to my child’s personal technological devices. I understand that my child brings
these devices to school at his/her own risk and accepts full responsibility for it.
Parent/Guardian Name (print): _____________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________ Date: ______________
LEARNER
As a user of the school computer network, I agree to comply with the terms and rules of the
“Acceptable Usage Policy for Internet, Network Facilities and Technological Devices” and to use
the internet, network facilities and technological devices in a constructive manner.
I accept full responsibility when bringing my personal technological devices to school and will
not hold the school, staff or management responsible for any loss or damage to my devices.
I understand and accept that any violation of these rules and regulations will result in loss of
internet, network facilities and/or technological device privileges, and punishment through
the School’s Code of Conduct.
In addition, by signing this document I hereby give my consent as contemplated under section
5 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-
Related Information Act (Act 70 of 2002) that Norman Henshilwood High School authorities
should be entitled to intercept and monitor the content of any internet usage, email messages,
home space content or other communications sent or received via Norman Henshilwood High
School’s computer facilities in order to monitor and ensure compliance with these terms of
use.
I also understand that contravening any part of this AUP could result in the loss of my access
to the internet, network facilities and technological devices.
Learner’s Name (print): _____________________________________________________________________
Learner’s Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ____________________