Social Links via JavaScript

Responsible Use of Technology Agreement

Version: December 2024

Summary of Digital Citizenship at Crofton House School

At Crofton House, we empower you to be responsible and ethical digital citizens. Our agreements guide your success.

  1. Student Code of Conduct: Follow the guidelines for behaviour that promotes a caring, safe, and orderly school environment.
  2. Academic Honesty & Integrity: Ensure that your work is original and properly cited and that you seek help when needed.
  3. Responsible Use of Technology (this agreement): Respect digital spaces and protect yourself and others online.

These agreements guide you in crafting a positive online presence, enhancing your awareness of digital responsibility, and promoting respect within our community.

If you are wondering about something - ask questions.

Tech Responsibility: Key Expectations for Students

Behaviour

  • I will be a safe, responsible, and respectful digital citizen, knowing my online actions affect myself and others.
  • I will follow the rules described in the Digital Device Playbook that outlines when and where I will and will not use digital devices. 
  • I will follow the Guidelines for Creating Representations of People, Places, Objects and Events (page 2).
  • I will be the only user of my CHS device.
  • I will respect the school's measures to keep us safe and protect the network, and I won't try to bypass them with tools like VPNs.
  • On a video call, I will be mindful of what is visible and audible around me so that what others can see and hear is appropriate and respectful.

Personal Safety

  • I won’t share personal information online that could affect my safety or the school's security. 
  • Before using new technology, I’ll check the minimum age requirements or ask a trusted adult. 
  • If I receive or find objectionable content, I’ll avoid responding and inform a trusted adult immediately. 
  • I will only use my CHS email for school matters, including signing up for software and site that I will use for school, and a private account for everything else. 

Privacy

  • I will password-protect devices storing or accessing CHS information with a secure password known only to me, and I will keep my passwords private and never use someone else’s.
  • I will set website and app privacy settings appropriately.
  • I will respect others' privacy by not recording, photographing, or filming without consent, including during lessons.
  • I will obtain consent before sharing or publishing private information, images, or recordings.

Use of Social Media

  • Before signing up for social media, I will understand its benefits and potential risks. 
  • I will be responsible for the content I share on social media platforms like Tik-Tok, Discord, Instagram, Snapchat, and others. 
  • I will get permission from the CHS Communications Department before creating any school-related social media accounts. 
  • I will not “friend,” “contact” or “follow” CHS teachers or staff.

Using Artificial Intelligence ​(AI) Tools

  • I will use AI for my schoolwork only when my teachers explicitly allow it, and I will ask if I am unsure.
  • I will use age-appropriate AI tools recommended by my teachers.
  • I will cite any AI assistance in my work, just like I would with other sources, and I will ask for help with citations if needed.
  • I will critically evaluate the information produced by AI and not assume it is accurate or complete.
  • I will use AI to support my learning, not to complete tasks for me, ensuring my work reflects my own efforts and understanding.
  • I will be aware that AI can be biased and discriminatory, and I will consider this when using its results.
  • Because AI can store personal information and use it when responding to other people, I will protect my and others’ privacy and will not enter or share personal, private, or confidential information belonging to myself, other individuals, or the school into AI technology.

Illegal Activities

  • I am responsible for any legal consequences resulting from my online activities.
  • I will only submit, publish, or intentionally receive material that is not defamatory, inaccurate, harassing, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually explicit, threatening, offensive, or illegal.
  • I will install only legally obtained software on my student-issued device.
  • I will avoid damaging or tampering with any school technology equipment or network, whether intentionally or through carelessness, such as by introducing malware or viruses, hacking into devices and networks, or causing physical damage to my device.

Taking Care of My CHS-Owned & Student-Issued Device

  • I will bring and charge my student-issued device daily for classes that require technology (grades 6–12).
  • I will keep my student-issued device in its protective case at all times.
  • I will keep the device away from food, liquids, and materials that could damage it.
  • I will report any damage or issues with the device or software to IT support immediately.
  • If I have to leave my device, I will ensure it is secured or out of sight of others when outside my home.
  • I will check that I have not left the device behind when leaving a car, bus, or classroom.
  • I will report any theft of my student-issued device or a personal device used for school information to the police and CHS and provide a police report to IT support.

The School’s Technology Safety and Security Practices

At Crofton House, we prioritize your safety and the security of our community. Here’s what you need to know about our technology practices:

What We Do

  • Monitoring Technology: We monitor CHS computer networks and equipment to ensure they are used responsibly and that members of our community are safe. This means we can check, access, or remove anything on our systems without prior notice.
  • Managing Technology Use: We have the right to limit or remove any unauthorized use of school technology to keep everyone safe.
  • Reviewing Digital Content: We will review files and messages when there is a concern about a student's well-being, and accessing this information is essential.
  • Ensuring Safety: If necessary, school administrators may search for prohibited items on campus or on publicly accessible social media sites to maintain a safe environment.

Important Information

  • No Guarantees: While we actively monitor our networks to ensure a safe environment, please keep in mind that CHS cannot guarantee the accuracy of all information found online. Nor can CHS guarantee that you will not encounter content or experiences that are unsafe or objectionable. When accessing information through the internet, it’s essential to be aware that you do so at your discretion.
  • Privacy Matters: Crofton House School follows personal information privacy laws and only collect information that is relevant to keeping our school safe.

What Else?

Remember that the device you are using is owned by the School and issued to you for your use. There are conditions that go along with this arrangement and these are outlined in the User Agreement for CHS Owned / Student Issued Devices.  Your parents/guardians are required to agree to this document every year when they complete the Student Information Questionnaire. 

Remember, these practices are in place to protect you and everyone in our community. 
If you have questions about technology use or privacy, don’t hesitate to ask!