Responsible Use of Technology Agreement

Version: December 2025; 请使用右下角的语言选择器以获得中文语言支持。

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. Student Code of Conduct: Follow the guidelines for behaviour that promotes a caring, safe, and orderly school environment. Academic Honesty & Integrity: Ensure that your work is original and properly cited and that you seek help when needed. 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 Appendix A: Digital Device Playbook that outlines when and where I will and will not use digital devices. 
• I will follow Appendix B: Guidelines for Creating Representations of People, Places, Objects and Events.
• 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 the safety of myself or others, or the school's security. 
• Before using new apps, websites, or other forms of digital 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 use my CHS email for all school matters only, including signing up for software and sites that I will use for school, and a non-CHS email 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 their images, recordings, or any other personal or private information.

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 ​Tools

• I will use AI to assist my learning only when teachers allow it, and I will ask if I am unsure.
• 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 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 age-appropriate AI tools recommended by my teachers.    
• I will be aware that AI can be biased and discriminatory, and it can be harmful for the environment, and I will consider these issues 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 only if it is not defamatory, inaccurate, harassing, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually explicit, threatening, offensive, or illegal.
• I will report any suspicious links, messages, or downloads to IT support or a teacher.
• I will install only legally obtained software on my student-issued device, and obtain permission from my parents before installing software that is not for school use.
• 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 and handle it with care to prevent any damage.
• 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

• Monitor 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.
• Manage Technology Use: We have the right to limit or remove any unauthorized use of school technology to keep everyone safe.
• Review 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.
• Ensure 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!

Appendix: A Digital Device Playbook Knowing when and where to use our devices at school helps everyone stay focused and supports our well-being. By sticking to the rules in this playbook, we can make sure digital devices are used in a positive way. This will also help us learn how to use tech responsibly in the future. Playbook Rule #1: CHS students are responsible learners who can and want to develop habits that contribute to a healthy and productive life. Students are provided with tools to be effective learners, including digital technology. The curriculum includes dedicated instruction on the educational, healthy and safe use of digital devices.  Students, like everyone else, are learning to manage the attraction and distraction that are part of the digital device landscape. Support, opportunities and healthy boundaries contribute to this learning. The School is responsible for providing all three in a way that fosters agency.  Playbook Rule #2: Access to digital devices changes as students get older.  Junior School students will lock up their personal cell phones or smartphones between drop-off and pick-up. The rules that follow describe the use of school-issued iPads. Senior School students will manage the use of their personal cell phones, smartphones, and School-issued laptops throughout the day according to the rules in this Playbook.  Playbook Rule #3: Teachers manage the use of digital devices during class. Teachers are responsible for creating positive and constructive learning environments for all students. They will be clear and consistent about when and how students may use digital devices (e.g. iPads, laptops, cell phones, earbuds, smart watches). Students will respect their teachers' decisions.    Playbook Rule #4: Students will differ in how they use digital devices. Students with life-threatening conditions (e.g., diabetes) may use digital devices to monitor their health. Everyone will support these students' use of devices at any time and in any location for this purpose.  Some students use technology to accommodate diverse learning needs, such as assistive tools linked to Individual Education Plans or Student Support Plans. Teachers will facilitate the use of technology to help these students access learning more effectively. Playbook Rule #5: There are places on campus where digital devices are not welcome.  Some areas of the school are expected to be digital device-free, including,  Manrell Hall, which is a space for people to engage face-to-face and washrooms and changerooms, where privacy is expected and must respected. Senior School quiet room, which is a low-sensory space where students can self-regulate

Appendix B: Guidelines for Creating Representations of People, Places, Objects and Events Digital technology empowers us to create representations of people, places, objects, and events for educational purposes. This powerful tool enhances education when used ethically and responsibly.  Before creating a fake or representation of a person, place, object or event, I will ensure A teacher is aware, and there is a valid educational reason, It is clear that the content is a representation, not reality, No laws are broken, The representation will not harm others or their reputations, I will clearly label fake representations in the content itself, and I will get permission from anyone involved, explain the representation, and allow them to decline or request its deletion.