Digital Technology Acceptable Use Agreement

Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA)

Alfredton Primary School – Information for Parents

Our Commitment to the Responsible Use of Digital Technology
At Alfredton Primary School, we are committed to building a culture of respect, responsibility, and safety. We demonstrate these values through the way we use technology and interact online.

We teach our students to be safe, intentional, and responsible users of digital technologies. This includes helping students recognise and respond appropriately to online risks, developing positive digital citizenship skills, and learning how to use technology in ways that support their learning and wellbeing.

Digital technologies are used to enhance teaching and learning at Alfredton Primary School. We provide engaging and purposeful digital learning experiences while maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline learning opportunities.
Our practices align with the Victorian Department of Education’s Digital Learning policies, Child Safety Standards, Mobile Phones Policy, and Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy.

What We Do

We Set Clear Expectations

• We have clear expectations about appropriate conduct when using digital technologies.
• Our Mobile Phones Policy outlines our expectations regarding student mobile phone use during school hours. In accordance with Department policy, students who bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and securely stored during the school day.
• We have clear and appropriate consequences when students do not meet these expectations, consistent with our Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy.

We Teach Appropriate Conduct

• We explicitly teach students how to be safe, responsible, and respectful online.
• Digital citizenship, cyber safety, privacy, respectful relationships, and responsible online behaviour are taught through classroom programs and integrated across the curriculum.
• Students learn how to identify and respond to cyberbullying, scams, inappropriate content, and unsafe online interactions.

We Partner with Families

• We work collaboratively with parents and carers to support positive technology use.

Digital technology at Alfredton PS

We provide information and resources to help families understand current online issues and support safe technology use at home.

We Provide Access to Technology

We provide students with access to educational technologies and online learning tools, including:

• Microsoft 365
• Compass
• XUNO
• Essential Assessment
• Maths300
• You Cubed
• Dibels
• Other curriculum-based applications approved by the school and Department of Education.

Students are provided with secure school accounts and non-identifiable school email accounts where required.

We Supervise Digital Learning

• Staff supervise students when they are using digital technologies at school.
• Teachers provide guidance and support to ensure students use digital tools appropriately and safely.
• Online learning spaces are monitored and managed to maintain a safe learning environment.

We Take Appropriate Steps to Protect Students

• We use Department-provided internet filtering and security systems to reduce access to inappropriate content.
• While no filtering system can guarantee complete protection, we have processes in place to respond promptly to concerns.
• Where necessary and appropriate, the school may monitor, access, or review files, communications, and internet activity conducted through school systems.

We Appropriately Manage and Respond to Online Incidents

• We work proactively to prevent, respond to, and learn from incidents involving digital technologies.
• Incidents involving cyberbullying, inappropriate online behaviour, cybersecurity risks, or child safety concerns are addressed in accordance with Department policy and school procedures.
• Suspected illegal online activity may be referred to Victoria Police or other relevant authorities.

How Parents and Carers Can Help

Establish Clear Routines

• Discuss expectations about when, where, and how devices can be used at home.
• Encourage devices to be used in shared family spaces.
• Establish a central charging location outside bedrooms overnight.
• Monitor younger children’s online activities and discuss online experiences regularly.

Restrict Inappropriate Content

• Use parental controls and privacy settings on devices, games, apps, and streaming services.
• Review age ratings and ensure online content is appropriate for your child.
• Consider limiting access to social media platforms until children meet minimum age requirements.

Talk About Online Safety

• Discuss the importance of protecting personal information.
• Help your child recognise scams, inappropriate content, and unsafe online behaviour.
• Encourage your child to seek help from a trusted adult whenever they feel uncomfortable or unsafe online.

Model Responsible and Balanced Technology Use

• Encourage a healthy balance between recreational screen time and physical activity.
• Promote opportunities for face-to-face social interaction.
• Demonstrate positive technology habits through your own use of devices.

Work With Us

• Contact your child’s teacher if you have concerns regarding technology use.
• Stay informed about your child’s digital learning experiences and discuss online safety regularly.

Support for Parents and Carers

• Families are encouraged to access resources provided by the eSafety Commissioner to support safe and responsible technology use at home.

For Students – What We Expect

Be Safe

At Alfredton Primary School, we protect personal information and keep ourselves safe online.

• We do this by:
• Keeping passwords private.
• Never using someone else’s account.
• Logging out when finished using a device.
• Being careful about sharing personal information, photos, or videos online.
• Telling a trusted adult if something online makes us feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Be Respectful

At Alfredton Primary School, we are kind and respectful when using technology.

We do this by:

• Treating others with kindness online and offline.
• Never participating in cyberbullying.
• Thinking carefully before posting, sending, or sharing information.
• Asking permission before taking photos, videos, or recordings of others.
• Respecting the privacy and personal information of others.

Be Responsible

At Alfredton Primary School, we use technology responsibly and follow school expectations.

We do this by:

• Looking after school devices and equipment.
• Using technology for learning purposes when directed by teachers.
• Following teacher instructions when using devices and online tools.
• Not downloading games, software, or apps without permission.
• Completing our own work honestly and acknowledging the work of others.
• Ensuring mobile phones remain switched off and securely stored during school hours.
• Using age-appropriate websites, apps, and online services.
• Maintaining a healthy balance between screen-based and non-screen-based learning activities.

Ask for Help

At Alfredton Primary School, we seek help when we need it.

We do this by talking to a teacher, parent, carer, or trusted adult if:

• We feel unsafe or uncomfortable online.
• We witness inappropriate or hurtful online behaviour.
• We accidentally access inappropriate content.
• We notice damage to technology or equipment.
• We need support using a digital tool safely and effectively.

Support for Students

If you need help staying safe online, speak to a trusted adult. You can also access age-appropriate online safety information through the eSafety Commissioner.

ANNEXURE A: Acceptable Use Agreement

Acceptable Use Agreement