ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY by Donna Varney Manchester Education Partnership

What is an AUP policy? An AUP or Acceptable Use Policy is a contract between the users of the Internet and the school.

Who needs to be aware of the AUP? Governors Teachers Staff Parents Pupils Basically - anyone who uses the Internet.

Why have an AUP policy? Each school needs to work out the advantages and disadvantages of having Internet access. Schools need to ensure good use but also provide adequate protection from undesirable content.

Why use the Internet anyway? The Internet is a fantastic resource. Schools are able to access materials to improve teaching and learning opportunities. The Internet can help to increase communication between school and the outside world.

Why review the AUP policy? Many schools have moved to MEWAN. Schools can take the decision to adopt the list identified by Manchester LEA or choose to have a more relaxed list with filters in place.

What does an AUP do? An AUP policy provides clear guidelines and rules for Internet use.

Traffic Lights Activity In small groups, organise the statements provided into the areas you feel are most appropriate for the use of the computers within school.

What needs to be in the AUP policy? 1.Rules, roles and responsibilities for use 2.What the Internet can be used for 3.Equal opportunity issues 4.How access is monitored/logged 5.Virus checking 6.How to acknowledge downloaded materials 7.Security measures in place / agreed access 8.Use of floppy discs and outside materials 9.A disclaimer 10.Relevant information from the Misuse of Information Act 11.The fact that prosecution may occur for unsuitable material 12.Details of action taken for misuse of the Internet

Can we make sure we are always safe? We need to make sure parents and children know that sometimes undesirable information may get through and the consequences if people try to access such information.

What are the next steps? The policy needs to be approved by the governors Letters need to be sent to parents Rules of use need to communicated and adopted by the users of the Internet.

How to get the children involved? Get the children to create a poster or leaflet about responsible use. Have an AUP assembly. Always show and share the rules.

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