What is an Acceptable Use Policy?
An Acceptable Use Policy - something that all companies and schools have - is a document outlining what employees (or teachers and students) can and cannot do with the technology given to them by their employer, and also what kinds of behaviors are acceptable on their networks (Schmerler, 2017). Some general ideas of these policies have already been discussed in previous pages, such as Internet safety rules, netiquette guidelines, and copyright/fair use policies.
An Acceptable Use Policy - something that all companies and schools have - is a document outlining what employees (or teachers and students) can and cannot do with the technology given to them by their employer, and also what kinds of behaviors are acceptable on their networks (Schmerler, 2017). Some general ideas of these policies have already been discussed in previous pages, such as Internet safety rules, netiquette guidelines, and copyright/fair use policies.
In an article on tripwire.com, Ben Schmerler outlines topics that people should consider when creating their Acceptable Use policies. Some of the topics include:
1) Thinking about impacts before creating rules. He states that if the rules don't make sense to the user, then they'll find a way around them, which is exactly what leaders want to avoid. The rules should be practical. It makes sense to have a rule against sharing important data with outside users, because an accidental leak would be detrimental; but using the Internet to pay your bill online while at work does not pose the same risk factor.
2) In addition to best practices, the policy should also define necessary agreements or regulations outlined by any governing agencies or policies that apply to the business or school.
3) Feedback is important, and leaders should be willing to listen to stakeholders and revise and edit the policy in the future. Ben also mentions the necessity of this, solely for the reason that technology changes over time, and policies cannot remain stagnant if they are to be effective.
(Schmerler, 2017)
1) Thinking about impacts before creating rules. He states that if the rules don't make sense to the user, then they'll find a way around them, which is exactly what leaders want to avoid. The rules should be practical. It makes sense to have a rule against sharing important data with outside users, because an accidental leak would be detrimental; but using the Internet to pay your bill online while at work does not pose the same risk factor.
2) In addition to best practices, the policy should also define necessary agreements or regulations outlined by any governing agencies or policies that apply to the business or school.
3) Feedback is important, and leaders should be willing to listen to stakeholders and revise and edit the policy in the future. Ben also mentions the necessity of this, solely for the reason that technology changes over time, and policies cannot remain stagnant if they are to be effective.
(Schmerler, 2017)
Acceptable Use Policy
Unacceptable Use of E-mail, Internet, and Device
Your school e-mail, device, and Internet access capabilities may not be used to participate in any of the following:
b) with negative remarks about an anyone's race, disability, religion, physical attributes, sexual preference, etc.
c) containing abusive language and profanity.
Communication Security
You are responsible for any and all material that you communicate - whether messages, uploaded images, etc. - while on the school's network. Please keep in mind that these devices, as well as your e-mail address, are school-issued, and administration has the right and capability to monitor your activity.
Software
There should be no downloading of any apps or software unless special permission is given. This helps in the prevention of viruses and slowing down the system.
Hardware
You are responsible for keeping up with and maintaining your device. If anything happens to the device (lost, cracked, stolen, or damaged) you are to alert an adult or administrator as soon as possible. You and your family may be responsible for paying for damages caused by dropping the device, spilling water on the device, etc. If repeated damages are happening to your device, privileges of using the device may be revoked.
Copyright/Plagiarism
You must accurately cite and give credit to any source of information that is not your own that is sent over the school's network.
Blocking, Filtering, and Monitoring
The school system is bound by The Children’s Internet Protection Act (PL 106-554) to implement measures to protect you from material that is obscene and harmful to minors. This is why our filters exist. Do not attempt to pass or unblock filtered sites. If you believe a site has been incorrectly blocked, speak with your teacher or administrator about bypassing the site's filter.
Violations
If found to be in violation of any of the policies above, your privileges of using your device and/or school e-mail may be revoked, and disciplinary consequences will be enforced.
Signature/Acknowledgment
I understand and agree to abide by the policies outlined in this agreement. I understand that my failure to follow any of the guidelines above will result in disciplinary actions and/or the possible revoking of my technology-use and device privileges.
Your school e-mail, device, and Internet access capabilities may not be used to participate in any of the following:
- Sending or receiving messages (or participating in online discussions)
b) with negative remarks about an anyone's race, disability, religion, physical attributes, sexual preference, etc.
c) containing abusive language and profanity.
- Using your school-issued iPad for any illegal activity or anything that goes against school policy.
Communication Security
You are responsible for any and all material that you communicate - whether messages, uploaded images, etc. - while on the school's network. Please keep in mind that these devices, as well as your e-mail address, are school-issued, and administration has the right and capability to monitor your activity.
Software
There should be no downloading of any apps or software unless special permission is given. This helps in the prevention of viruses and slowing down the system.
Hardware
You are responsible for keeping up with and maintaining your device. If anything happens to the device (lost, cracked, stolen, or damaged) you are to alert an adult or administrator as soon as possible. You and your family may be responsible for paying for damages caused by dropping the device, spilling water on the device, etc. If repeated damages are happening to your device, privileges of using the device may be revoked.
Copyright/Plagiarism
You must accurately cite and give credit to any source of information that is not your own that is sent over the school's network.
Blocking, Filtering, and Monitoring
The school system is bound by The Children’s Internet Protection Act (PL 106-554) to implement measures to protect you from material that is obscene and harmful to minors. This is why our filters exist. Do not attempt to pass or unblock filtered sites. If you believe a site has been incorrectly blocked, speak with your teacher or administrator about bypassing the site's filter.
Violations
If found to be in violation of any of the policies above, your privileges of using your device and/or school e-mail may be revoked, and disciplinary consequences will be enforced.
Signature/Acknowledgment
I understand and agree to abide by the policies outlined in this agreement. I understand that my failure to follow any of the guidelines above will result in disciplinary actions and/or the possible revoking of my technology-use and device privileges.
(My Acceptable Use Policy for students was adapted from Auburn City Schools' current policy for employees and staff, located here.)
The SANS Institute created a free Acceptable Use Policy template online that's available for anyone to edit and use.
Rethinking Acceptable Use Policies to Enable Digital Learning: A Guide for School Districts
This article offers helpful tips for schools creating their own policies. It covers the difference between procedure and policy, federal and state laws that regulate policy, and links to additional resources to help create their own user agreement.
This sample Acceptable Use Policy for students by Socorro Consolidated Schools in New Mexico is a good resource teachers could build from to create their own policies.
Sources Used: (Auburn City Schools) (Schmerler, 2017)