RESPONSIBLE USE OF COMPUTERS/ DIGITAL DEVICES & ONLINE SERVICES AGREEMENT (To be completed by parent/carer of a prospective boarder AND the prospective boarder) 

The Hostel acknowledges the educational value of digital devices and online services in supporting and enhancing educational outcomes and boarder wellbeing. We also recognise that they may cause harm if used inappropriately and that we need to support our boarders to use them in safe, responsible, and respectful ways. The obligations and expectations associated with authorised, acceptable use of the Hostel’s computing and online services, are as follows.

The Leichhardt House: 'Responsible Use of Computers/Digital Devices & Online Services Policy' must be read and understood before signing this agreement.

Technical Considerations

It is expected that a boarder using the Hostel computers and online services, must:

• read and understand the Leichhardt House: ‘Responsible Use of Computers/Digital Devices & Online Services Policy;
• be responsible for their own behaviour; the materials they choose to access and the language they choose to use when using computers and when online;
• not try to ‘hack’, disable, or bypass any security, including any virus protection, spam, or security/filter settings;
• not download program files or Apps, from the internet or from USB drives/portable hard drives to Hostel computers in order to prevent corruption of data and for both legal and security reasons.

Cybersafety Considerations

Boarders must never initiate or knowingly use email/social medica to:

• send/forward chain letters/hoax emails; spam or any inappropriate or unlawful content, which is offensive, abusive, or discriminatory;
• send/forward sexually explicit or sexually suggestive content or correspondence including ‘image-based abuse’ (which includes real, altered and drawn images/videos);
• threaten, bully or harass another person, including making/sharing false or defamatory information about a person or organisation.

Privacy & Confidentiality Considerations

Boarders must not attempt to:

• use another boarders/hostel staff member's username or password to trespass into another person's files, drives or accounts;
• let other boarders use their personal log-in information (boarders who do so will be held responsible for any breaches caused by the other person(s);
• divulge personal information via the internet or email, to unknown entities or for reasons other than to fulfil the educational program requirements of the school;
• boarders should also not reveal personal information including names, addresses, photographs, credit card details or telephone numbers of themselves or others.

Monitoring & Reporting Considerations:

Boarders must be aware that all use of internet and online communication services can be audited and traced to the account of the user. All material on the device is subject to audit by authorised hostel staff/IT Consultants. If at any stage there is a police request, the Hostel may be required to provide the authorities with access to the device and personal holdings associated with its use.

Misuse/Breach of Acceptable Use:

Boarders must be aware that a breach of all or part of this policy is deemed to be a serious breach of trust which the Hostel places in all boarders. Each matter will be considered individually and be referred to the Leichhardt House: ‘Behaviour Management Plan’ from which a relevant consequence will be applied. Penalty or disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, denied access to Hostel computers and online resources and/or have the use of their own digital devices denied or restricted, whilst at the Hostel.

The Hostel reserves the right to immediately withdraw the enrolment of any boarder in cases where there has been a serious breach of Leichhardt House: ‘Responsible Use of Computers/Digital Devices & Online Services Policy’.

I understand and agree to the expectations, terms and conditions outlined in this Agreement.

I believe my child has an understanding of the expectations, terms and conditions outlined in this Agreement (*If you or your child are unsure about anything in this Agreement, please clarify with hostel staff).

I understand that the Hostel's online service (internet) is protected by internet security/parental controls etc. and is routinely monitored; it is my responsibility to ensure that my childs mobile device[s] are similarly protected.

* Without effective internet security/parental controls etc. your child is exposed to ANY/ALL content available on the world wide web.