Social Media and Networking Policy

Rationale

Social networks are dynamic, positive and connective when used appropriately. Social media terms and agreements generally exclude students from under 13 years accessing their services. At SCAS, we safely utilise selected social media to enhance teaching and learning. In these cases, students can use the secure services below the age of 13 years. Our school approved Learning Management Systems (LMS) include SEQTA and Google Apps for Education (Classroom, Gmail, Forms, Docs, Drive and Calendar). These systems are monitored and managed by the school and may be used in teaching and learning. Teachers and students may communicate using these networks.

Student emails in the Primary School are limited to the SCAS domain. These email addresses are intended as internal communication tools with teachers and peers. In Secondary School, student emails have no limits.

Policy

Staff are not permitted to “friend” or “follow” current students on Facebook and other social media platforms.
Students and staff are prohibited from creating social networking profiles representing other SCAS students or staff without permission. This is called identity fraud and has serious consequences.
Students must respect the name of the School, and if they create, maintain or use social networking sites, they must ensure that no comment or content (including photos) placed on that site by themselves or others could potentially damage the reputation of the School, its staff or students, or use language that is insulting, defamatory, offensive or deemed inappropriate by the School or wider community.
Social networking accounts or profiles using the school name, media or images (eg. SCAS Year 9) must be approved by the Head of School or delegate.
Students are prohibited from photographing, videoing or recording teachers, staff or other students without asking permission from them first and gaining consent. This media should not be placed on public networks for the general public in any circumstances.
Students must behave as responsible, honest and ethical digital citizens while using SCAS social networks. Posting inappropriate or defamatory videos, pictures or comments, making derogatory statements or bullying others is expressly prohibited.
Harassment, hate speech and inappropriate content will be reported to the relevant authorities. Students must demonstrate respect to others and the School. They must not make any comment on any site that targets any student or staff member of the School with perceived negative intent or undermines the name/good work of the School.
Students are in no way to link students of the School, staff or the School itself to actions that the School would not support or condone (alcohol abuse; sexual activity; bullying; illicit drug use; inappropriate, profane and/or offensive language). This includes photographs of students in our school uniform.

Consequences of a Breach of Policy

Minor offences

The teacher reminds the student of the policy and procedures.
The student complies immediately – no further action.

The student continues to ignore the ICT policy – the teacher confiscates equipment or withdraws students' access privileges. Student and/or parent called to meet with the teacher to determine corrective action. The student complies with policy and equipment, and access rights are restored.

The student continues to behave inappropriately – the Head of School (or delegate) is notified. The student has to negotiate a gradual re-instatement of privileges.

Serious offences

Serious offences include serious threats, bullying, illegal or indecent information and images, and intentional damage or neglect.

The Principal and parents will be notified, and police may be called to investigate the allegation. Access to ICT equipment and resources will be withdrawn until the investigation is completed.