Acceptable Computer Use Policy
The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. On-line resources can be used to educate, to inform, to communicate, and to entertain. As a learning resource, it is similar to books, magazines, CD-ROM, and other information sources. With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. The most important prerequisite to receive Internet and computer access is to take responsibility for one’s own actions. OIS has taken available precautions, which are limited, to restrict access to controversial materials by the choice of LearnPads for students. A staff member will supervise while students are using the school’s Internet resources. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial information. We firmly believe that the valuable information and interaction available on this world-wide network far outweighs the possibilities that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of OIS.
Internet safety guide
- Discover the Internet together. Be the one to introduce your child to the Internet. For both parent and child it is an advantage to discover the Internet together. Try to find web sites that are exciting and fun. Hopefully you will together achieve a positive and conscious attitude to Internet exploration, which again could make it easier to share both positive and negative experiences in the future.
- Agree with your child on a framework for Internet use in your home. Try to reach an agreement with your child on the guidelines which apply to Internet use in your household. Here are some tips to get started:
- How to treat your personal information (name, address, telephone, e-mail)
- How to behave towards others on the net (chat, e-mailing, messaging)
- What type of sites and activities are OK or not OK in our family
- Encourage your child to be careful when disclosing personal information. It is important that adults are aware that many web pages made for children require giving out personal information to access content. Being conscious of when and where it is all right to reveal personal information is vital. A simple rule could be that the child should not give out name, phone number or picture without your approval.
- Talk about the risks associated with meeting an e-pal face to face. Adults should understand that the Internet could be a positive meeting place for children, where they can get to know other children and make new friends. However, to avoid unpleasant experiences, it is important that children do not meet strangers they have met on the net without being accompanied by an adult, friends or others they trust. In any case, the child should always have his/her parents’ approval first.
- Teach your child about source criticism on the net. Most children use the Internet to improve and develop knowledge in relation to schoolwork and personal interests. Net users should be aware that not all information found online is correct. Educate children on how to verify information they find by comparing with alternative sources on the same topic.
- Don’t be too critical towards your child’s exploration of the Internet. Children may come across adult material by accident on the Web. If a child intentionally searches for such web sites, remember that it is natural for children to be curious about off-limits material. Try to use this as an opening to discuss the content with them, and perhaps make rules for this kind of activity. Be realistic in your assessment of how your child uses the Internet.
- Report online material you may consider illegal to the appropriate authorities. It is vital that we all take responsibility for the Web and report matters, which we believe could be illegal. By doing this we can help to prevent illegal activities online, such as child pornography or attempts to lure children via chat, mail or messaging.
- Encourage good Netiquette. Netiquette is the informal code of conduct for the Internet. As in everyday life, there are informal ethical rules for how to behave when relating to other people on the Internet. These include being polite, using correct language and not yelling at (writing in capital letters) or harassing others. Also, children as well as adults should not read other’s e-mail or copy protected material.
- Know your child’s net use. To be able to guide your child with regard to Internet use, it is important to understand how children use the Internet and know what they like to do on-line. Let your child show you which websites they like visiting and what they do there. Acquiring technical knowledge could also make it easier to make the right decisions regarding your child’s Internet use.
Remember that the positive aspects of the Internet outweigh the negatives. The Internet is an excellent educational and recreational resource for children. Encourage your child to be conscious and explore the Internet to its full potential.