Parents
Acceptable Use of School Information Technology
The December 2007 newsletter contained some very important information for students and parents regarding use of the accounts and computers on the school network. Of particular concern is the increasing frequency of attempted use of websites such as Meebo, Bebo and MySpace. The following information has been taken from the Newsletter. All parents and students are encouraged to read this and review it regularly to see what you might need to talk to your won children about.
An increasing number of students have been noted in class attempting to log on to ‘personal space’ websites such as Meebo, Bebo, MySpace and YouTube, or trying to find ways around existing filters to gain access to such sites. Whilst these sites are blocked as discovered by the Department filter monitor or by classroom teachers, it concerns the staff at Kaleen High School that many students are not conscious of the implications of using such sites.
Firstly, use of the school network for any activity other than class work is not permitted. Secondly, such sites usually require (or suggest) the entry of quite personal details about you. There is increasing concern in society about many serious aspects of internet use such as online predation, cyberbullying, online scams and identity theft. The Australian Government has a website that is provided to help the community deal with these issues. It is called NetAlert and as Australia's Internet Safety Advisory Body, it provides practical advice on Internet safety, parental control and filters for the protection of children, students and families. The website is http://www.netalert.net.au/default.asp
A specific site has recently been created by NetAlert in partnership with a number of significant IT organisations to raise awareness amongst Australian children, parents and teachers of the increasing safety issues on the Internet. KHS commends the following site to you for extremely enlightening perspectives about children’s use of the internet and the role of parents and other adults in assisting children to make the right choices. http://www.thinkuknow.com.au/
