ICT Acceptable Use Policy Template
An ICT Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) defines the rules governing how students, staff, and administrators may use the school's information and communication technology resources, including computers, tablets, the internet, school management systems, email, and any personal devices connected to the school's network. As African schools increasingly adopt digital tools — including school management systems, e-learning platforms, and parent communication apps — a clear AUP is essential to protect the school's data, maintain a safe learning environment, and teach responsible digital citizenship. This template is written to be practical and enforceable in a typical African secondary or primary school environment, covering device use, internet access, data privacy, and consequences for misuse.
Purpose
This policy aims to ensure that all users of the school's ICT resources do so in a responsible, ethical, and lawful manner, and to protect students, staff, and the school from harm arising from the misuse of technology.
Scope
This policy applies to all students, teaching staff, administrative staff, volunteers, and contractors who use any ICT resource owned or managed by the school, or who access school data or systems using personal devices. It covers all school-provided devices, the school's Wi-Fi network, the school management system (RedeemOS), school email accounts, and any other digital platform operated by or on behalf of the school.
1. 1. Authorised Use of ICT Resources
ICT resources provided by the school are intended for educational, administrative, and professional purposes directly related to the school's mission. Students may use school computers and the internet for schoolwork, research, accessing the learning management system, and other educationally relevant activities. Staff may use school ICT resources for lesson planning, assessment, communication with parents and colleagues, accessing the school management system, and professional development. Limited personal use during designated break periods is permitted provided it does not interfere with school operations and does not violate any other provision of this policy.
2. 2. Prohibited Uses
The following uses of the school's ICT resources are strictly prohibited: accessing, downloading, uploading, or distributing pornographic, violent, hateful, or otherwise inappropriate content; using the school's network or devices to engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or intimidation of any person; attempting to circumvent content filters, firewalls, or other security measures; installing unauthorised software, applications, or browser extensions on school devices; sharing login credentials with other users or accessing another user's account without permission; using school ICT resources for commercial purposes, gambling, or any illegal activity; making unauthorised copies of copyrighted material; and accessing or attempting to access confidential school data beyond what is required for the user's authorised role.
3. 3. Internet Access and Content Filtering
The school provides filtered internet access designed to block access to age-inappropriate, harmful, or irrelevant content. All internet traffic on the school network is subject to monitoring and logging for the purpose of ensuring compliance with this policy. The school does not guarantee the effectiveness of content filters and is not responsible for content accessed on personal data connections. Students should report accidentally accessed inappropriate content to a teacher without fear of punishment. Staff who require access to content that is blocked by the school's filter for legitimate educational purposes should submit a request to the ICT Coordinator for temporary unfiltered access.
4. 4. School Management System and Data Access
Access to the school management system (RedeemOS) is granted on a role-based basis. Each user is given only the access required to perform their authorised duties. Staff must not share their login credentials with students or other staff. Administrators who misuse access to student or staff personal data will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible referral to relevant data protection authorities. All activity within the school management system is logged and may be audited. Users are responsible for maintaining the security of their passwords and must report any suspected unauthorised access to the ICT Coordinator immediately.
5. 5. Personal Devices (BYOD)
Students may be permitted to bring personal mobile phones or tablets to school subject to the school's device policy, which is published separately. Where personal devices are permitted, they must not be used during instructional time except when explicitly authorised by the class teacher for a specific educational activity. Students who connect personal devices to the school's Wi-Fi network are subject to the same monitoring, content filtering, and rules as school-provided devices. The school is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal devices brought to school.
6. 6. Social Media and Online Communication
Students are prohibited from accessing social media platforms on school devices or the school network during school hours. Staff are reminded that any public online communication that identifies them as an employee of the school reflects on the school's reputation and must be professional and respectful. Staff must not communicate with students via personal social media accounts. Official school communication to parents and students must use approved channels — the school management system's messaging module, official school email addresses, or the school's verified social media accounts. Staff are prohibited from sharing photos or videos of students on personal social media without explicit written consent from the student's parent or guardian.
7. 7. Consequences of Misuse
Violations of this policy may result in consequences proportionate to the severity of the misuse. For minor violations, a verbal or written warning will be issued and the matter recorded. For moderate violations, temporary suspension of ICT access privileges, parent notification, and a formal disciplinary meeting will follow. For serious violations — including accessing inappropriate content, cyberbullying, hacking attempts, or breaching the confidentiality of student or staff data — the school reserves the right to permanently revoke ICT access, refer the matter to the police, or terminate the employment or enrolment of the person concerned.
8. 8. User Agreement and Training
All students and staff must sign an ICT Acceptable Use Agreement before being granted access to the school's ICT resources. New students will sign the agreement during the admissions process. New staff will sign the agreement as part of their induction. The ICT Coordinator will provide basic digital literacy and cybersafety training to students at the start of each academic year. This policy will be reviewed annually by the senior management team and updated to reflect changes in technology and legal requirements.
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