CyberSafety and Digital Citizenship

Cybersafety is about being safe when online and doing the right things to protect yourself from harm. Digital Citizenship is all about your presence online; how you deal with the online world in a respectful and considerate manner. Students will learn about maintaining a safe environment and initially developing their online presence that will not intimidate others. The College treats bullying, both physical and online, very seriously; continual bullying activities may have serious repercussions within the College and with the online community. CCC has Policies and Procedures in place to guide staff and students in maintaining their safety online as well as enhancing their digital reputation.

The Agreement

The use of “Bring Your Own Devices” (BYOD) and the use of CCC owned computers in school presents a great opportunity for students of all ages. Studies have shown that students using personal devices/tablets in education are more engaged as they have a feeling of ownership and familiarity, as well as an added sense of responsibility and trustworthiness in the classroom. It also opens up opportunities for creativity, access to resources and information and rich learning experiences.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of ALL students, the use of BYOD and CCC owned IT is subject to the user agreeing to and following a few rules:

• I understand that the primary purpose of the use of personal devices at school is educational. I will use the computer responsibly, for enhancing my learning.
• I understand that a computer provided to me always remains the property of Cooloola Christian College.
• I will not use electronic devices including the computer to intimidate, tease, denigrate or bully other people.
• I will always follow teacher direction in using my computer and its applications appropriately and at appropriate times during class activities. When I am unsure of the appropriate or effective use of my device, I will check with my teacher first and follow their advice.
• I am responsible for maintaining my account and keeping my password secure and will not disclose this to anyone. I will use a strong password to minimise unauthorised access.
• I will use the account set up and connected with my school email for educational purposes only.
• I will not attempt to purchase or download any software that may be used to bypass any cyber security, firewall or other thing put in place by CCC to maintain the safety of staff and students when online. I will not use an alternative ID to download or install apps on any computer.
• I will not use any software or other devices (hot spotting from phones) that will allow me to bypass CCC cyber safety equipment. Consequences for disregarding this requirement can be severe.
• I understand that I am not to connect my computer to mobile phones through Hot spotting or Bluetooth at school. I further understand that mobile phones are not to be seen or used on school property.
• I know that my device is not permitted to have any malicious software, pirated software, or illegal material, games, files, music, or media of any sort installed or accessible at any time. Content on my device should also be appropriate, non-offensive and in keeping with the Christian ethos of the College.
• I will not make any attempt to get around any software, firewall or other similar systems that are in place for the safety of myself and others; for example, VPNs, Hot Spot Shield etc.
• I understand that deliberate attempts to bypass the school's filtering system or access parts of the network which computer devices do not have access to will be treated very seriously.
• I know that I am responsible for saving, organising and regularly backing up my own files. I understand that loss of data is not an acceptable excuse for not completing assigned work on time.
• I am aware that Internet usage at CCC is regularly monitored and scanned for any inappropriate use. I understand that IT staff, teachers and other college staff reserve the right to regularly and randomly check my computer device to ensure appropriate use.
• Apart from teacher approved and monitored communication, social networking, instant messaging, personal email and the like will not be permitted. I will assume that all of these are prohibited unless I have explicitly been directed to use them by my teacher in support of my academic learning.
• I understand that I will not be permitted to use my device outside scheduled classroom times and outside classroom spaces or library study areas, unless directed and supervised by a teacher or other designated member of staff.
• I understand that any content downloaded at school must only be in relation to my schoolwork and under the specific direction of my teacher. I understand that I am not permitted to use the college network to download or stream personal content such as music, video or games.
• I know that it is my responsibility to keep my device secure. I will do my utmost to guard against the theft, damage (accidental or wilful) or loss of my computer.
• I will also secure my computer and prevent others from accessing data by protecting it with a password. I understand that other students should not use my device and that if they do so, that I too am responsible for any breaches of rules, policies and agreements.
• I understand that a breach of this agreement or any other related policy will lead to disciplinary action and may result in access to the computer being withdrawn.

Cooloola Christian College