Keeping Your School’s AUP Updated

An Acceptable Use Policy is a document which addresses all rights, privileges, responsibilities and sanctions associated with the use of the internet and digital technologies within the school, including online and offline usage. 

Ideally the AUP will be drawn up by the key stakeholders; the school staff, students, parents and Board of Management. The policy should be regularly reviewed and updated. As the pace of change in technology is very rapid the school must ensure that the policy and its procedures remain effective.

Updating AUP

When revising or updating your policy, consider:

• Is the policy linked to other school policies, for example the Child Protection Policy; Anti-bullying Policy; Homework Policy; Health and Safety Policy and Behaviour Policy?
• Does the policy address all Internet Safety issues in the school? Are smartphones, WiFi plugins and other personal Internet-enabled devices included?
• Is the policy understood by students? Is it accessible to them and in language that clearly explains their rights and responsibilities?
• Is the policy supported by all classroom teachers, Resource and SEN staff? Is it supported by the parents?
• Is the policy supported by clear procedures should incidents of misuse occur?
• Are all staff Internet Safety aware? Are they aware of their individual responsibilities in responding to certain types of incident?  Are they aware of best practice in regard to their own use of social networking sites?

The AUP and the students

The school needs to make the sections of the AUP which apply to students accessible and in a format and language that is easily understood. Many schools provide Responsible Use Rules in school journals or on classroom noticeboards. Students should be enabled to:

“Discuss, develop, implement and evaluate an acceptable use policy (AUP) and procedures relating to using the Internet and email and using mobile phones.”