This agreement has been drawn up to protect all the people involved - you, all other students, staff, the school and the Education Authority.

1.  Use of computers for educational purposes only

The computers, the school network, the link to the Scottish Borders Council educational network and all the engineers employed are paid for to provide a good educational service for you as a student.  The use of computers in school is intended to support you with your education – your courses, your career, your health and your welfare are the main examples. 

Leisure use, for example games, Internet searches for non educational information and social e-mails are not allowed in normal school situations.  Computers must be as free as possible for educational use.  Running costs and material costs can only be justified for educational use.

2.    Responsible Use of the Internet

The computer Internet facilities are provided for you to conduct research and communicate with others for educational purposes.  You are personally responsible for your behaviour and e-mail use over the network.  This is the same as in any school, college or employment - your use must follow the rules for their computers. 

The following ways of using the Internet break the school’s Responsible Use Policy and may result in withdrawal of access rights. Disciplinary action would follow.

• Use of e-mail to harass, offend or bully any other person
• Use of e-mail for sending or receiving threatening or obscene material
• Use of e-mail in posting anonymous messages or forwarding chain letters
• Use of e-mail for any inappropriate or illegal purpose
• Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks
• Violating copyright or data protection laws
• Using others' identities or passwords
• Opening and altering others' folders, work or files
• Using the Internet for political purposes, gambling, any personal or commercial purpose or profit or advertising

You can only use the Internet under the supervision of a teacher or the librarian.

 You must inform your teacher if:

- you receive any abusive, threatening or offensive e-mails

- an e-mail or attachment generates a virus warning

- you discover any abusive, threatening or offensive web sites which appear during your proper use of the Internet.  Please write down the web site address.

The school reserves the right to examine or delete any files which may be held on the computer system and to monitor any Internet sites visited and the use of e-mail.

3.   Privileges

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right.  The IT Co-ordinator will decide what is inappropriate use .

4.     Network Etiquette

You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette.  These include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Be polite.  Do not be abusive in your messages to others.
• Use appropriate language.  Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
• Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
• Do not reveal your password, personal address or phone number.
• Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private.  People who operate the system do have access to all mail.  Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
• Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users
• All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.
• Use of credit cards should not take place on school premises.

5.   Security

Security on any computer network is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users.  If you feel you can identify a security problem on the network, you must notify a member of staff.  This will be very helpful to protect the system for everyone’s benefit.  Please do not demonstrate or tell other users about the problem. 

Any student identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the network.

6.   Data Protection Act

For the purposes of administration and statistical analysis, certain personal details will be recorded by electronic means.

7.   Net Rules

The Internet can be a great place for finding lots of useful and interesting information and for getting in touch with people all over the world.  Most people who use the Internet are honest, but to be extra safe, you should always follow these rules.

• Never give your password to anyone, not even your best friend. 
• Never give anyone’s photograph, address or telephone number over the Internet. 
• Never give your school’s name unless you have permission from your teacher. 
• Never agree to meet anyone who contacts you on the Internet.  Always tell your teacher if someone asks you to do this. 
• Always tell your teacher if you see anything which makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Always tell your teacher if someone sends you a nasty message. Remember it is not your fault if you get a message like this.