ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (AUP) - STUDENTS

 

Policy Reviewed: September 2024

Next Review Due: September 2025

1. Introduction

This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) outlines the rules and responsibilities for students at CEDEC International Schools when using school-owned and personal ICT resources. Adherence to this policy ensures the safety, legality, and effectiveness of technology use within the school environment.

CEDEC International Schools is committed to safeguarding its ICT infrastructure to ensure it can be used in the most effective manner to support teaching and learning and all necessary administrative processes. Ensuring the safety and integrity of the school ICT infrastructure is the responsibility of all staff.

For the purposes of this policy the term “computing services” refers to any ICT resource made available to you, used in school, any of the network services, applications or software products that you are provided access to and the network/data transport infrastructure that you use to access any of the services (including access to the internet).

This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) applies to all devices and services, including but not limited to:

·       School portal and LMS

·       Library and ICT suite computers

·       Personal laptops and tablets brought to school (BYOD)

·       School-sold student tablets

·       School Network services

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action as outlined below.

 

2. Purpose

CEDEC International Schools is committed to cultivating students who can lead in an information-rich society. The responsible use of ICT supports our mission to provide functional and qualitative instruction for future leaders. This policy exists to:

·       Protect students and staff from online harm

·       Protect the school networks and infrastructure

·  Comply with legal obligations, including the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and the Cybercrimes Act 2015

·       To protect the school data

3. Student Conditions of Use

3.1  Password Security: Access to the students’ portal is controlled by a central account and password. Issuance and continued use of your user account is conditional on your compliance with this policy. User IDs and passwords are not to be shared or revealed to any other party. Those who use another person’s user credentials and those who share such credentials with others will be in breach of this policy.

Initial default passwords issued to any user should be changed immediately following notification of account set up. Passwords should be routinely changed (every 3 months is recommended) and should be changed immediately if the user believes or suspects that their account has been compromised. Management and IT support should also be notified if a compromise takes place or is in any way suspected.

3.2  General Conditions: In general, students’ use of school “computing services” should be for students’ study, research, or the administrative purposes of the school.

·       Students’ use of the school computing services must at all times comply with the law.

·       Students’ use of the school computing services must not interfere with any others’ use of these facilities and services.

·       Students must not use school computing services to harass, defame, libel, slander, intimidate, impersonate or otherwise abuse another person.

·       Students must not use computing services for the creation, collection, storage, downloading or displaying of any offensive, obscene, indecent or menacing images, data or material capable of being resolved into such.

·       Students must not use the school computing services to conduct any form of commercial activity without express permission.

·       Students must not use the school computing services to disseminate mass (unsolicited) mailings.

·       Students must not install, use or distribute software for which you do not have a licence, and which is not first authorised by the ICT Department for installation.

·       Students must not use any peer-to-peer file sharing software without the express written permission of the ICT manager.

·       Students must use ICT devices only for educational purposes.

·       Students are expected to use ICT resources in a responsible, respectful, and ethical manner.

·       Students must comply with staff instructions on appropriate ICT use.

3.3  Account and Device Use:

·       Students must never share their login credentials with others.

·       Students are responsible for any activity conducted using their login credentials.

·       Personal laptops or tablets must be paired with a parent’s Gmail account (Family Link or equivalent) and subject to parental oversight.

·       Students are not entitled to use a school computer that they have not been authorised to use.

·       Students must not access any program or data in school, which has not been specifically authorised for their use.

·       Students must not alter computer material belonging to another user without the users’ permission.

3.4  Behavioural Expectations: Students must NOT:

·       Attempt to access websites or online content deemed inappropriate, illegal, or unapproved by staff.

·       Record, photograph, or video other students or staff.

·       Upload or forward harmful, offensive, or distressing text, images, or videos via school or personal devices.

·       Use ICT resources to harass, intimidate, impersonate, or bully others.

·       Use vulgar, discriminatory, or inciting language online.

·       Engage in online behaviour that undermines the dignity of others or brings the school into disrepute.

3.5  Security and Data Privacy

·       Students must not attempt to bypass filters or access restricted areas of the school network.

·       Students must not download, install, or execute software on school devices.

·       Personal or sensitive information (e.g., home address, phone number) must not be shared online.

3.6   Physical Security: Students should always adhere to the following guidelines:

·       Treat equipment safely, in the same manner as a reasonable person would

·       Keep liquids away from ICT equipment

·       Do not place heavy objects on ICT equipment

·       Do not drop ICT equipment or objects onto it

·       Students’ devices must be securely locked away by class teachers when not in use.

·       Portable computer security is your responsibility at all times.

·       Staff supervising students using ICT equipment should ensure students take reasonable care of such equipment.

4. Social Media and Online Communication

Students are not allowed to access social media platforms within the school premises. Students who are found accessing social media platforms in school will have their devices permanently withheld pending a disciplinary review. While there are age requirements for social media apps, the school recommends that students stay off social media platforms until year 12 graduation.  If parents allow children to use social media and gaming sites, CEDEC International Schools will not take responsibility for resolving issues that may occur. Students must not post or share content online that is linked to the school.

5. Unacceptable Use Examples: Incidents which are determined to be in contravention of this policy will be assessed for their severity. Investigating such incidents may require the collection and evaluation of user related activity and evidence.

In the event a portable computer is damaged or lost as a result of non-compliance with this policy or as a result of other negligent action, then you may be required to make a full or partial contribution towards any reparation/replacement costs, at the discretion of the school.

Unacceptable use includes, but is not limited to:

·       Engaging in cyberbullying or online harassment

·       Accessing, creating, or distributing offensive, extremist, or pornographic content

·       Damaging or disabling school ICT systems

·       Using another person’s login credentials

·       Installing software or games on school systems

·       Violating copyright laws or NDPR requirements

·       Misrepresenting the school or other individuals online

6.       Remote Access: Remote access to the school portal is possible. Remote connections are considered direct connections to the school portal. As such, generally accessing services remotely, subjects the student to the same conditions, requirements and responsibilities of this policy.

7. Breaches, Sanctions and Consequences: It is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of potential ways in which a user may contravene this policy but in general such breaches will be categorised into one of three levels of severity and each level of breach will carry with it a possible range of sanctions, consequences and/or penalties. All sanctions will follow due process and allow for appeal through the school’s disciplinary framework. Violations will be categorized as Minor, Moderate, or Severe, with corresponding consequences.

·       Minor Breach: These are low-risk infractions that are generally unintentional, non-malicious, and have limited impact on the school environment, ICT infrastructure, or student safety. Examples include:

o   Using a personal device during class without permission

o   Forgetting to log out of school accounts

o   Bringing food or drink near ICT equipment

o   Sending non-offensive but distracting messages on the portal during lessons

Consequences for Minor Breaches include:

o   Verbal warning from teacher or ICT supervisor

o   Confiscation of device for a short period

o   Communication with parents/guardians

o   Reminder of expectations; possible re-orientation

·       Moderate Breach: These are more serious violations, often repeated or intentional, which disrupt learning, misuse ICT systems, or affect others' well-being or data privacy. Examples include:

o   Repeated minor breaches within the same term

o   Using another student’s login credentials

o   Attempting to access restricted websites using proxy sites

o   Sending messages that are rude, inappropriate, or mocking

o   Accessing social media platforms in school

o   Downloading unapproved files or media onto school devices

o   Visiting non-educational websites in school

Consequences for Moderate Breaches include:

o   Suspension of ICT privileges for 1–4 weeks

o   Written warning and documentation in student file

o   Student writes a reflection or apology

o   Meeting with parent/guardian and relevant staff

o   Device may be confiscated indefinitely or monitored closely

·       Severe Breach: These are deliberate, harmful, or illegal actions that threaten the safety, integrity, or reputation of students, staff, or the school. These may also break national laws. Examples include:

o   Cyberbullying, harassment, or threats to students/staff online

o   Accessing or sharing pornographic, extremist, or hate-based content

o   Recording or photographing others without consent and sharing it

o   Posting defamatory content about the school or individuals

o   Hacking or attempting to disable the school’s systems or firewalls

o   Distributing malicious software or engaging in cybercrime

o   Repeated moderate breaches with no signs of improvement

Consequences for Severe Breaches include:

o   Suspension or permanent loss of device privileges

o   Suspension or expulsion (depending on severity)

o   Reporting to school leadership, parents, and potentially the police

o   Full disciplinary process and investigation

o   Permanent record of incident (if applicable)

It is important to note that intent and frequency influence the severity classification. Additionally, parents are always informed of moderate and severe breaches, and every case is reviewed by school leadership before final decisions are made.

8. Monitoring and Supervision: CEDEC International Schools reserves the right to monitor activity on its network, portal, and Wi-Fi systems. To this end, students’ personal devices connected to school Wi-Fi will be monitored to ensure compliance, and misuse may lead to network access suspension and further disciplinary action.

9. Legal Framework and Compliance: The use of ICT will always leave evidence no matter where the incident occurred; home computer, school computer, and/or mobile phone. The user will leave a ‘digital footprint’ that can potentially be used to identify them. Misusing ICT can be a criminal offence under a range of different laws. This policy is drafted in accordance with the following laws:

·       Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019

·       Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015

·       Child Rights Act (2003)

·       Criminal Code Act (Cap C38, LFN 2004)

·       Penal Code Act (Cap P3, LFN 2004)

·       The Nigerian Communications Act, 2003

·       Defamation Act, 1961

10. School Policies: The CEDEC International School Acceptable Use Policy for students works collaboratively with the following school policies and documents:

·       Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

·       Anti-Bullying Policy

·       Behaviour Management Policy

·       Students Code of Conduct

·       Online Safety Policy

·       Online Learning Policy

·       Data Protection and Privacy Policy

·       Social Media Policy

·       PSHE Policy

11. Review: This policy will be reviewed annually by the Head of ICT and the Safeguarding Team, or after any significant incident or legal update.

 

APPENDIX A: Mobile Phone Use Policy

At CEDEC International Schools, the use of mobile phones by students is strictly prohibited to promote a focused, respectful, and safe learning environment.

1. Total Ban on Mobile Phones

• Students are not allowed to bring mobile phones to school under any circumstances.
• This policy applies during school hours, school-sponsored events, excursions, clubs, and after-school programs held on school premises.
• The exception to this rule is for international excursions, and interstate excursions.

2. Rationale

This ban is in place to:

• Prevent distractions during academic and co-curricular activities
• Protect students from cyberbullying, online exploitation, and misuse of digital content
• Encourage face-to-face social interaction and emotional development
• Support safeguarding and uphold school values

3. Enforcement

• Students found in possession of a mobile phone during school hours or on school property will face disciplinary action.
• The device will be confiscated immediately and will not be returned.
• A meeting will be arranged with the student’s parent or guardian to address the violation.

4. Emergency Communication

• In the event of an emergency, students may use the school’s office telephone line through the administrative office.
• Parents/guardians needing to reach their child during school hours must contact the school office directly.

 

APPENDIX B: Parental Responsibility

CEDEC International Schools recognises that effective online safeguarding requires a partnership between the school and families. While the school sets clear expectations for ICT use during school hours, parents and guardians play an equally important role in monitoring and guiding their child’s use of technology at home and in transit.

1. Device Management at Home

• Parents are responsible for ensuring that all personal devices brought to school (laptops or tablets) are paired with a parent-monitored Gmail account using tools like Google Family Link or similar parental control software.
• Parents must ensure the child’s device has appropriate content filters, screen time controls, and location settings installed and active.

2. Social Media and Online Games

• CEDEC International Schools recommends that students avoid all social media platforms until graduation from Year 12.
• Parents who permit the use of platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or online games accept full responsibility for any issues that may arise.
• The school will not mediate or accept liability for conflicts or concerns that originate outside school channels, social media sites, gaming sites or violate platform age restrictions.

3. At-Home Monitoring

• Parents are encouraged to:
• Discuss safe internet use and online etiquette regularly.
• Monitor their child’s device activity, browser history, and social interactions.
• Keep devices in common family areas, not bedrooms.
• Model responsible online behaviour and uphold the values of the school.

4. School Communication and Support

• Parents should report any observed or suspected misuse of technology, at home or in school, that could affect student safety, well-being, or learning.
• The school will provide parents with annual orientation, resources, or online safety updates to help support their role.

5. Consent and Agreement

As part of the admissions or re-enrolment process, all parents and guardians are required to:

• Review the Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) with their child.
• Sign the AU Agreement Form, indicating their commitment to uphold the policy expectations at home and at school.
• Support disciplinary measures that may result from misuse, as outlined in this policy.

 

APPENDIX C: Parent-Student Acceptable Use Agreement Form

This agreement form accompanies the CEDEC International Schools Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) which can be assessed here: It must be signed by both the student and their parent or guardian as a condition of device use and access to school ICT services.

Student Declaration:

I have read and understood the CEDEC International Schools Student ICT Acceptable Use Policy. I agree to use all school ICT services and my personal device in a respectful, legal, and responsible manner. I understand that any breach of the policy may result in disciplinary action.

Student Full Name: __________________________________________

Class/Year Group: __________________________________________

Student Signature: _________________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________________

 

Parent/Guardian Declaration

I have read and understood the CEDEC International Schools Student ICT Acceptable Use Policy. I agree to support the school’s expectations for safe and responsible technology use. I understand my responsibility to monitor and filter my child’s device at home and accept that the school will not mediate external digital issues, including those arising from underage social media use. I agree that if my child brings a personal device to school, it will be paired with my Gmail account or an approved parental control system.

Parent/Guardian Full Name: _________________________________

Relationship to Student: ____________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________________

Please return this signed form to the school office before your child is granted access to school ICT services.

 

 

APPENDIX D: Student Online Responsibility and Best Practices

At CEDEC International Schools, students are not only expected to avoid harmful or inappropriate online behaviours but are also encouraged to become responsible, ethical, and thoughtful online citizens. All ICT tools in the school, should be used to enhance learning, creativity, communication, and collaboration in meaningful ways which include:

1. Using Technology to Learn and Create. This involves using technology for research, writing, collaboration, presentations, and creativity. Students can also explore recommended online educational platforms, eBooks, simulations, and productivity apps recommended by teachers.

2. Fact-Check and Evaluate Information: Always verify online information before using it in assignments. Students can do this by using reputable websites, online libraries, and academic resources. Students must avoid spreading false information or relying on unverified sources (e.g., random blogs, social media claims).

3. Practice Respectful Online Communication. At CEDEC International Schools, students  are expected to use appropriate, kind, and respectful language when communicating online. This includes collaborating positively with classmates in shared documents or chat spaces.

4. Build a Positive Digital Footprint. At CEDEC International Schools, we use our PSHE curriculum to teach students that everything posted online can be permanent. Therefore, students must protect their personal image and that of your school, and act as responsible representatives of CEDEC. Share only school-approved content related to schoolwork or projects, and only with permission.

5. Protect Yourself and Others: Students should not share personal details like home address, phone number, or passwords. In addition, students must report any suspicious, hurtful, or inappropriate content or contact to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, or the Head of ICT immediately. Students are also expected to use technology safely and speak up against cyberbullying or online abuse.

6. Balance Your Screen Time: It is important that students take regular breaks from screens to protect their eyes, mind, and body. Engage in non-digital hobbies, social interaction, and physical activity as part of a balanced routine.