• We have clear expectations about appropriate conduct using digital technologies. 
• Our Mobile Phone Policy  outlines our school’s expectations relating to students using mobile phones during school hours.
• We have clear and appropriate consequences when students breach these expectations, in line with our Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy. 

• We teach our students to be safe, intentional and responsible users of digital technologies, including age-appropriate instruction on important digital issues such as cybersafety and cyberbullying. [include any specific programs or approaches]

• We work with parents and carers to understand the digital technology-related issues they are facing at home. We support them with information and tools that help.

• We provide access to educational software for students to use.    [list key software titles used by students, including department-provided software titles]
• We create student email accounts which are non-identifiable.

• We supervise students using digital technologies in the classroom, consistent with our duty of care. [if relevant, insert any software that is used to supervise devices]
• We use clear protocols and procedures to protect students working in online spaces

• We provide a filtered internet service to block inappropriate content. Full protection from inappropriate content cannot be guaranteed, however, we have processes to report and act on inappropriate content.
• We may access and monitor messages and files sent or saved our network, if necessary and appropriate.

• We work to prevent, respond, and learn from issues or incidents relating to the use of digital technology, including cybersecurity incidents, cyberbullying and risks to child safety.
• We refer suspected illegal online acts to the police.

• Talk to your child about expectations including when, where, and how digital devices can be used at home, ensuring these rules are age-appropriate and consistent. These can include:
  • Requiring devices to be used in a common area, such as a living room or study area 
  • Setting up a specific area for charging devices overnight, away from bedrooms, to promote better sleep hygiene.
  • [schools may wish to recommend parental restrictions on access to certain devices (until a certain age/Year Level), in consultation with their school community]

• Use built-in parental controls on devices and apps to help manage their device access and restrict inappropriate content.
• Consider restricting the use of apps with addictive game mechanics (e.g. rewards, badges, limited exit options).
• [schools may wish to recommend parental restrictions for specific apps or social-media platforms (until a certain age/Year Level), in consultation with their school community]

• Talk with your child about the importance of protecting personal information, recognising online scams, and understanding and adjusting privacy settings on social media.
• Encourage your child to talk to you or another trusted adult if they feel unsafe online.

• Encourage a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities, especially outdoor unstructured play and time with friends and family, face-to-face.*
• Demonstrate responsible and balanced tech use in your own daily routine to set a good example for your child.

• Let your child’s teacher know about concerns you have regarding their technology use
• Keep informed about what your child is learning at school, so you can help reinforce positive messages at home.

• no more than 2 hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day
• avoiding screen time 1 hour before sleep
• keeping screens out of the bedroom.

Source: Australia’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines, https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-children-and-young-people-5-to-17-years. 

• [Minimum processor model]
• [Minimum RAM]
• [Specific/minimum screen size]
• [Specific/minimum operating system]
• Minimum [X] hours of advertised battery life
• [Minimum storage]
• [Minimum wireless connectivity, e.g. Wi-Fi standard or bands, Bluetooth version]
• [Peripherals e.g. headphones, carry case, stylus]

• Screen protection
• Insurance
• Up-to-date antivirus and security software
• [Ports, e.g. microSD card, USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jacks]

We do this by:

• Not sharing our password or using someone else’s username or password.
• Logging out of our devices when they are not in use.
• Restricting the personal information we post online, including images and videos.

We do this by:

• Acting with kindness and never bullying or impersonating others online.
• Thinking about how our words might make others feel before we say or write them.
• Only taking photos or recordings of others when they are aware and have given us permission to do so.
• Seeking permission before sharing others’ information online.
• Never using a generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool to upload or generate images of a student, parent, or teacher.

We do this by:

• Handling devices with care and not interfering with school-managed network or security settings, other people’s work, or devices we don’t own.
• Following the terms and conditions of any digital tool we use.
• Not downloading or using inappropriate programs like games, or programs/networks designed to bypass the school’s internet and content restrictions.
• Not using technology to cheat or steal, and always acknowledging when we use information sourced from others or generate content using AI tools.
• Turning off and securely storing our mobile phone during school hours.
• Ensuring a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities at school.

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

• We feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• We see others participating in unsafe, inappropriate, or hurtful online behaviour.
• We notice any damage to school technologies.
• We need help understanding about a digital tool or how it can be used. 

(Student name)

I understand and commit to uphold the expectations on me as a student at Leongatha Secondary College when using digital technology.

I will do my best to:

• be safe to protect personal information and keep safe online.
  • be respectful and kind to others when using technology.
  • be responsible by demonstrating honesty, handling technology with care and following the school rules.
• ask for help if I feel unsure or see something inappropriate.

I will continue to learn about how to use digital technology in a safe and responsible way.

(Student’s signature) (Date)

(Parent/carer name)

I acknowledge your commitment and will support you to safely use and learn about digital technologies.