Background

The Internet is a worldwide network of computers that contains millions of pages of information. Users are cautioned that many of these pages include offensive, sexually explicit and inappropriate material. In general, it is difficult to avoid at least some contact with this material while using the Internet. Even innocuous search requests may lead to sites with highly offensive content. Additionally, having an e-mail address on the Internet may lead to receipt of unsolicited e-mail containing offensive content. Users accessing the Internet do so at their own risk and the school is not responsible for material viewed or downloaded from the Internet. To minimise these risks, your use of the Internet at St Mary’s C.B.S. Secondary School is governed by this policy.

The computer network and all individual computers are the property of St Mary’s C.B.S. Secondary School (“the school”) and are to be used for legimate school business purposes . Employees (“users”) are provided with access to the computer to assist them in the performance of their jobs . All users have a responsibility to use the school’s computer resources and the Internet in a professional, lawful and ethical manner. Use of the school Internet and e-mail facilities by staff is for professional development purposes only.

Rationale 
This policy has been designed to protect the staff, students, parents and the school. The Board of Managment of St Mary’s C.B.S. Secondary School has a responsibility to support and educate users of the schools computer system in the use of the Internet to ensure that users do not unwittingly get themselves and the school into an activity that may result in either a criminal action or a legal claim being taken.

The policy explains what the school expets in terms of e-mail and Internet usage.

The policy states some general rules do’s and don’ts and then identifies particular guidelines for students and parents. Specific areas that must be avoided  by all users are then identified under a set of General Guidelines.