Please read the information below regarding the use of computers in Blairgowrie High School.  It is important that staff, pupils and parents are all agreed on what is acceptable when making use of the school’s computer network facilities.  

Acceptable Use Agreement For ICT

The computer network is provided to support learning and enhance teaching.  With a computer network, people may use a variety of applications and files, make use of its storage, scanning and printing facilities, as well as interact with other computers and communicate and collaborate with other users by sending and receiving messages.  Users are responsible for appropriate behaviour on the school’s computer network.  The user is personally responsible for his/her actions in accessing and utilising the school’s computer resources.  The students are advised never to access, keep, or send anything they would not want their parents or teachers to see, the use of the network is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused.

Care of computers and Network Equipment:

• Pupils are responsible for care of the equipment, any faults, damaged or missing equipment discovered should be reported immediately to the teacher. 
• You must not change machine settings.  This includes desktop, pointers, monitor and printer settings.
• Never install software.
• Do not damage the computers, keyboard, mouse or mats.
• Do not interfere with other people’s files and do not log on as any user other than yourself.
• Do not play games or listen to music CDs unless granted permission by your teacher.

E-Mail:

 (NB e-mail content may be monitored by staff)

• Pupils should not use e-mail unless granted permission by the staff.
• Must not send abusive or offensive messages or materials.
• Don’t send to all users simultaneously.
• Pupils must delete mail once read (or sent) and empty the trash.

Internet:

• Pupils should not use the Internet unless granted permission by the staff.
• Do not access inappropriate or offensive sites or material or use chat facilities.
• Don’t sign up for newsgroups, any e-mail offers or attempt to order goods.
• Never give your name, age, address or other personal details.  Nor should you reveal the personal details of other people on the Internet. 
• Adhere to any copyright restrictions attached.  You may use the ideas or arguments contained within websites.  You may not copy it wholesale but use extracts with appropriate acknowledgements.

Penalties for Improper Use:

1. Any user violating these rules (or posted classroom and local authority rules) will be denied access to the network and may be subject to departmental or school disciplinary options.
2. In addition, any unauthorised access, attempted access, or use of any school computing and/or network system which is in violation of the Data Protection Act or the Computer Misuse Act, may be subject to criminal prosecution.

USER: 

I understand and will abide by the above Conditions, Rules and Acceptable Use Agreement.   I further understand that any violation of the above conditions, rules, and Acceptable Use Agreement is unethical and may constitute a criminal offence.  Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, disciplinary action may be taken and/or appropriate legal action.  I understand that my parents will be informed.