Student Digital Technology Acceptable Use Policy

At Uckfield College, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive digital environment for learning. This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) outlines the responsible use of College-provided accounts and resources, including internet access, Google Classroom, Google applications, and all other College IT services.

By following these guidelines, you help maintain a respectful and secure online community. The College has monitoring systems in place, including SENSO, which actively tracks College account activity to ensure compliance with this policy and safeguard students.

Responsible Digital Citizenship

Using the College’s digital resources is a privilege that comes with responsibilities. Students are expected to use these resources for educational purposes and to uphold the values of respect, integrity, and safety in all digital interactions.

If this policy is not followed, consequences may include:

  • Temporary or permanent loss of access to College accounts
  • Additional monitoring of account activity
  • Investigation into past account activity
  • In serious cases, referral to external agencies, including the police

Support and Guidance

Teachers and IT Support staff are available to guide students in responsible digital use. Regular monitoring ensures that resources are used appropriately and safely. The College is not responsible for data loss due to system issues or user errors, and students should be mindful when using College resources.

Expectations for Use

Students must take personal responsibility for adhering to this policy and reporting any misuse to:

  • IT Support Staff
  • Their Director of Year or Pastoral Leader
  • A Computing Teacher
  • Any other member of staff

Acceptable Use Guidelines

  1. Respectful Communication: All messages, posts, and shared content—whether at College or at home when logged onto the account—must be respectful, appropriate, and should not cause harm or distress to others. Sharing images of staff or students without permission is prohibited.
  2. Professional Language: When using a College account, students must use appropriate and respectful language. Illegal or harmful content is strictly forbidden.
  3. Inclusion and Respect: Language that discriminates against any group is not tolerated.
  4. Privacy and Security: Personal details (e.g., address, phone number) must not be shared. Students must not access or modify other users' files.
  5. Account Integrity: Students must keep log-in credentials private and report any suspected compromise immediately.
  6. Logging Out: Students must always log out of accounts after use, especially on shared devices.
  7. Unauthorised Access: If a student finds an unattended logged-in account, they must log it out immediately, or close an open Chromebook that has been left logged-in.
  8. Social Media and External Sites: Unauthorised social media access during school hours is not permitted, including via mobile devices.
  9. Email Etiquette: Emails to staff should be polite, formal, and free from emojis or ambiguous symbols.
  10. Responsible Storage: Networked files should be organised, relevant to learning, and deleted when no longer needed.
  11. Reporting Issues: Any accidental access to inappropriate content, security concerns, or distressing material must be reported immediately.
  12. Legal and Ethical Use: Students must not visit, download, or share illegal or inappropriate material.
  13. Software and Downloads: Only approved software may be installed. Unauthorised downloads are not allowed.
  14. Respect for College Systems: Students must not damage, alter, or disrupt College devices, networks, or other users' work.
  15. Compliance with External Policies: If accessing other College-approved platforms, students must adhere to their acceptable use policies.

Security and Monitoring

The College uses SENSO monitoring software to oversee digital activity on College devices and accounts. This system helps ensure student safety and appropriate use of resources.  

If a security issue is discovered (e.g., unintended access to another user’s data), it must be reported to IT Support or a Director of Year immediately. Any student deemed a security risk may lose access to College accounts.

Student Agreement

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to follow the Uckfield College Acceptable Use Policy. I understand the importance of responsible digital behaviour and will report any misuse or concerns.

I am also aware that the College uses SENSO monitoring software to track activity through College accounts to ensure compliance and student safety, irrespective of the device used.  

Name:


Year:

Student Signature: 

Failure to comply with this policy may result in restricted access to College resources and further disciplinary action. Students under reasonable suspicion of misuse may have their account activity reviewed.