Item 11 Appendix 3

West Dunbartonshire Council · 20 March 2024
Back to Educational Services Committee — 20 March 2024 and its agenda

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Education Services
Appropriate Use of
Digital Technologies
Devices in Schools
Policy
Children, Young People,
Employees and Visitors
December 2023
Appendix 3

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Contents
Pg
3 Introduction
4 Policy Aims
5 What is a Technological Device?
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6 Views of Stakeholders
8 What do we mean by ‘Safe and Appropriate use’?
11 Expectations of the use of Technological Devices in schools
14 Children’s Rights in relation to Technological Device Use

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16 WDC Employee and Visitor Rights in relation to Technological Device Use 17
Parent or Carer responsibility - guidance from Police Scotland
18 Useful Links and Further Information from Police Scotland
19 Legal Aspects
20 Sharing of photographs, video and audio recordings
21 Digital Addiction
24 Appendix 1 - Example of Acceptable Use Policy for Children and Young People 26
Appendix 2 - Acceptable Use Policy for School Staff
28 Appendix 3 - Exemplar Letter to Parents and Carers
Staff involved in the drafting of this policy include;
● Claire Cusick - Senior Education Officer, WDC
● Joanne Scott - Education Support Officer, SCYP
● Mark Hunter - Curriculum Leader Science at CHS
● Lisa-Joy McMullen - Curriculum Leader BECS at CHS
● Chris McGilchrist - Teacher of Modern Studies at SPTA HS and EIS representative
● Greg Allan - UNCRC Officer, WDC
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Introduction
In modern society, technological devices are an integral part of the lives of children,
young people and adults across Scotland, with many bringing their own devices into
school. Responsible use of technological devices can enhance learning, teaching
and social experiences. They can also bring a sense of security to parents and
guardians as their children lead and enjoy more independent lives. With added
modern features such as
education based apps, survival software (e.g. Diabetes related apps) and cashless

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purchasing, technological
devices are now integrated into everyday life.
There are risks associated with children, young people and adults bringing
technological devices into schools. The inappropriate use of these devices can
detract from learning and teaching in schools. In worst case scenarios, it can involve
children, young people and adults in investigations which can cause negative
impacts to various stakeholders in our school and wider communities.
Taking into account the benefits of using technological devices responsibly, whilst
considering the risk factors, it is unreasonable and impractical to attempt to impose a
ban on these devices in West Dunbartonshire Schools.
That being said, children, young people and adults within educational

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establishments, including visitors, have a right to privacy, safety and to be protected
from harassment. Therefore, any inappropriate use of technological devices in West
Dunbartonshire Council schools will be dealt with in a robust, measured and
appropriate manner.
West Dunbartonshire Council has a zero tolerance to technological device misuse. 3
Policy Aims
Our policy aims to:
● Promote safe and responsible technological device use in schools.
● Set clear guidelines for the use of technological devices for children, young people
and adults in schools.
● Support the school’s other policies, especially those related to child protection and

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promoting positive behaviour.
This policy also aims to address some of the challenges posed by technological devices in
schools, such as:
● Risks to child protection
● Data protection issues
● Potential for lesson disruption

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● Risk of theft, loss, or damage
● Appropriate use of technology in the classroom
It should be noted that the term ‘in schools’ refers to all school business relating to ELCC,
Primary, Secondary and Special schools. This includes curricular activities, extra-curricular
activities, school day trips and residential trips.
It should also be noted that the term ‘adults’ includes WDC employees, WDC
volunteers, visitors, parents and carers.
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What is a ‘Technological Device’?
For the purposes of this policy, a ‘Technological Device’ is any electronic device that can
be used for creating, storing, receiving or transmitting information in the form of electronic
data.

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Examples of Technological Devices include the following;
● Smart Phones
● Smart Watches
● Computers (including Laptops, iMacs, Chromebooks, Desktops, etc)
● Digital Cameras
● Digital Video Recorders
● Digital Audio Recorders
● Wireless or Wired Headphones
● Or any other electronic device enabling the uses listed above.

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5
Views of Stakeholders
West Dunbartonshire’s Involvement and Engagement Strategy, which ensures consistent
protocols in seeking involvement of Children and Young People in policies and decisions
that impact them, has been shaped by the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the
Child. In particular, it ensures that Article 12 of the convention, ensuring that children and
young people’s voices are heard and considered, are at the heart of new policies.
Staff, parent and carer opinion is also invaluable as they all have a shared interest in
ensuring the best outcomes for children and young people in their education and future
lives.
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Therefore, stakeholder viewpoint data has been collected from children and young people,
staff, parents and carers connected to Clydebank High School as part of their ‘Steps to
Success’ agenda. This data has been used as a foundation for this policy.
It should be noted that data collected was based around mobile phone technology
only. The total survey responses were as follows;
● 257 responses from Children and Young
People
● 77 responses from Staff
● 153 responses from Parents and Carers.
Data collected from the Children and Young People surveys included;
- 88.7% said Teachers would give a warning or tell them to put their phone away. -
93% said Teachers allowed mobile phone use some of the time.
- 85.2% felt that Teachers would be ‘Annoyed’ or ‘Mildly Frustrated’ about them using
their phone during class.
- 88.3% said a suitable sanction for having their mobile phone out in class would be
to be ‘Told to put it away’.
- 87.9% did not agree that their mobile phone should be looked after by the Teacher
until the end of lesson.
- 98.1% did not agree that their mobile phone should be sent to the office. 6
Data collected from the Staff surveys included;
- 100% felt that mobile phones were a distraction in their classrooms. - 32.5% felt

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that mobile phones were mostly disruptive at the beginning of lessons. - 75.3%
preferred that mobile phones could be used legitimately as part of the lesson.
- 58.4% preferred that mobile phones be out of site during the lesson. - 55.8% felt that
pupil anxiety would increase if pupils were not allowed to access
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their phone.
- 74% felt a phone specific demerit was an acceptable sanction for pupil use of
phones when not allowed to.
- 66.2% felt an alert should be sent home to parents and carers if pupils were
accessing their phone when asked not to.
Data collected from the Parent and Carer surveys included;
- 90.9% answered ‘No’ or ‘Sometimes’ when asked ‘Is it ever necessary for you to
contact your young person during class time?’
- 92.2% answered ‘No’ when asked ‘Do you expect your young person to respond to
messages during class time, either from friends or family?’
- 98% answered ‘No’ when asked ‘Do you think it is appropriate for your young

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person to interact on their phone during lessons, perhaps with friends in other
classes?’
- 87.6% answered ‘Strongly Agree’ or ‘Agree’ when asked ‘Do you agree that mobile
phones are likely to cause a distraction in class?’
- 100% answered ‘Yes’ when asked ‘Would you support a teacher’s decision in
asking a young person to put their phone away if it is being used without
permission?’
- 69.9% agreed with the sanction of ‘Told to put away’ when asked ‘What sanctions
would you support if young people were found to be using their phone during
lessons without permission?’
- 97.4% answered ‘Yes’ when asked ‘Would you be happy to support a new school
policy by reinforcing this at home?’
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What do we mean by
‘Safe and responsible use of Technological Devices’?
For children and young people, technological devices are a conduit for socialising, playing
and meeting friends. Just like in the real world, children and young people require
guidance and support from adults to use technological devices safely and appropriately.

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Children and young people need to understand that inappropriate behaviour remains
unacceptable whether it occurs in an online environment, the playground, the classroom
or anywhere else.
To that end, Children and Young People should receive clear expectations for responsible
conduct with technological devices in school. These expectations should remain
consistent, regardless of the context. Any breach of expectations in relation to
technological devices should be treated in accordance with the establishment’s promoting
positive behaviour policies.
WDC recognises the hard work of schools’ Senior Leadership and Pupil Support Teams
and the challenges faced when incidents arise within their establishments. Inappropriate
use of technological devices in this policy refers to incidents that happen during
curricular or extra-curricular time. It is a matter for Police Scotland to choose to
investigate if inappropriate use of technological devices has happened outside this time
as these are outwith the control of the establishment.

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8
Below are examples of appropriate and inappropriate use of mobile phones in
schools; Examples of appropriate use;
● To socialise, play and meet friends before school, breaktime, lunchtime and after
school
● To enhance learning and teaching experiences
e.g. Kahoot quizzes or accessing Google Classroom related applications

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● To enter homework/assignment dates into calendar
● For research purposes for course work where school technology is unavailable
● To be used as a translator or calculator
● For survival based applications (e.g. Glucose monitoring levels for Diabetes) ●
Accessing snack / lunch payment (e.g. Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)

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Examples of inappropriate use;
● Use of technological devices for non-consented imagery or recording ●
Pornography and violent content accessed and shared whilst in school ●
Inappropriate and violent games accessed and played
● Pupils contacting friends or family during lessons
● Pupils taking pictures and videos of anyone, creating memes and using software to
distort images and publishing online
● Using images taken of anyone for bullying and humiliation on social media
● Sharing of personal data for malicious intent
● Underage use of age-restricted applications
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Consequences due to Inappropriate Use:
Breaches of a school’s or WDC Technological Device Use in Schools policy will be
managed in accordance with the school’s promoting positive behaviour procedures and
depending on the nature of the breach may be subject to criminal proceedings. Examples
of consequences include;
● Be required to apologise formally to any and all victims
● Receive a warning; verbal or written
● Handover technological device to Senior Leadership for duration of school day

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● Participate in a period of behaviour observation
● Removal from access to some WDC platforms
● Be subject to an exclusion or, in extreme cases, expulsion from school ● Serious
breaches depending on the nature of the incident may have to be reported to the
police

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● Risk of criminal conviction (for information, the Age of Criminal Responsibility is now
12 years old in Scotland).
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Expectations on Technological Device use in Schools
It is encouraged that school’s develop a site specific policy. Children and Young People
should be well informed of the expectations on appropriate Technological Device use as
well as parents / carers. This includes being clear as to when and where they are
permitted to use their Technological Device safely and appropriately. It is recommended
that they can use Technological Devices;
● prior to the start of the school day, break time, lunchtime and after the school day

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● in class but only with Teacher permission and only to enhance learning and
teaching
* Social use should not be permitted during learning and teaching time
At the start of the lesson, Children and Young People will be expected to:
● ensure their Technological Devices are set to ‘Silent’ or ‘Airplane’ mode ● place
Technological Devices out of sight in school bags or leave in a designated
Technological Device storage area in the classroom
● leave Technological Devices in the classroom designated storage area if they have
permission to leave the room (e.g. 1 to 1 meeting with Pupil Support Teacher) ●

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refrain from contacting parents/carers/friends during lessons
○ In rare emergency cases, the school would contact parent/carers during
class time (specific system site specific)
○ Exemptions for a Child or Young Person’s Support Needs plan may be
considered here
● not use Technological Devices at any time in the Physical Education changing
rooms or any school toilet area
● There may be occasions where an agreement has been made to have access to
their device as part of the child’s plan (e.g. Young Carers, Self / Co - regulations
strategies). This should be subject to regular review and should not be used to
access social media platforms.
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All WDC education staff have a responsibility to support and embed this policy. This will
ensure the strength and robustness of the policy. Therefore, staff are expected to;
● Model the behaviour they expect to see from children and young people (e.g. using
Technological Devices outside of class contact time).
● Ensure visitors, including parents/carers, adhere strictly to the Technological Device
policy
● Follow the recommendation to disable Google Education
communication apps during weekends or holiday periods.

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● Under child protection, staff must not engage in email
correspondence with any child or young person.
● If a child or young person emails a member of staff, and there is a legitimate child
protection concern, they must contact the school’s child protection officer or
member of the Senior Leadership Team.
If Children and Young people do not store their Technological Devices in line with the
above guidance, then the following should be followed:
● Repeat instruction to the individual to place the Technological Device away in their
bag, visual prompts may be required for those with communication barriers. ● If not
followed, ask individual to place Technological Device into designated classroom
storage area (e.g. Door Phone Wallets, teacher desk).
● If still no positive response, avoid confrontation and follow school’s promoting
positive behaviour policy (e.g. issue of demerit, referral to Curriculum Leader,
etc).
It is highly recommended that Technological Devices are not confiscated, without
careful planning, for the following reasons;
● Can be a catalyst for a conflict situation, detracting from valuable learning and
teaching time of all learners.
● May draw unnecessary attention to the situation and actually encourage the
behaviour.

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● Technological Devices may be required for food purchasing at break and
lunchtimes, which would interfere with the individual’s right to life and
development (Article 6 - UNCRC).
● Will be used in the purposes of safeguarding purposes by parents/carers outside of
learning and teaching environments.
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● Unintentional damage to the technological device during confiscation will not be
covered by council insurance.
● Anxiety/frustration of an individual will increase, potentially resulting in challenging
behaviour.
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Children’s Rights in relation to Technological Devices
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (The UNCRC - Click here for all
the articles of The UNCRC) will soon be enshrined in Scottish Law. This has had a clear
impact on the design and implementation of this policy.
Under Article 12 of the convention, every child has the right to express their views, feelings
and wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken
seriously. Children and young people within West Dunbartonshire Schools have been
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consulted and have had their views taken into account in the creation of this policy. This
has been vital to ensure Children and Young People have a shared sense of ownership of
this policy.
The following are examples of where The UNCRC apply to this policy:

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● Article 3 - Adults must act in the best interests of the child - a member of senior
management may confiscate a Technological Device as a last resort if inappropriate
use has occurred using that device and to stop the child publishing online, which
would be in the child’s best interests
● Article 16 - Child’s Right to Privacy - Every child has the right to privacy. The law
should protect the child’s private, family and home life, including protecting children
from unlawful attacks that harm their reputation.
Example - If a teacher suspects that a pupil has taken unauthorised photography,
the teacher must not themselves gain access to the device as it is an invasion of
the child’s privacy. The child should delete the unauthorised photo under
supervision of SLT as this will be in the child’s best interest (Article 3). Depending
on the nature of the photo, it may need Police Scotland intervention.
● Article 28 – Right to Education – Technological Device misuse is a clear barrier to
this in the classroom. It impacts a child’s own education but also the added
distraction to other children in the room impacting their right to an education (e.g.
time taken from lesson to deal with mobile phone misuse).
● Article 31 - Right to Relax, Play and Culture - Every child has the right to relax, play
and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. Children may use
Technological Devices to play appropriate games at break and lunchtimes.
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Adults are not permitted to;
● Take photos, videos or audio of any child or young person that is outside the
confines of normal schooling practice
● Use Technological Devices to humiliate, blackmail or invade the privacy of any child
or young person
● Initiate contact with any child or young person using Technological Devices outwith the
bounds of normal schooling practice (e.g. Google Classroom applications, etc).

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15
WDC Employees and Visitors Rights in relation to
Technological Devices
West Dunbartonshire Council recognises that all employees have the right to be treated with
dignity and respect in their working environment. As an equal opportunities employer, West
Dunbartonshire Council is committed to ensuring that no employees are subjected to any type
of offensive behaviour such as harassment, discrimination, victimisation or bullying.
The purpose of the Dignity at Work policy is to enhance this commitment to employees by providing a
clear framework within which all forms of discrimination, harassment, victimisation and

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bullying are discouraged and promptly addressed. This policy takes into consideration the
undernoted employment legislation and has fully considered relevant codes of practice and
regulations.
(i) Equality Act 2010
(ii) The Gender Equality Duty
(iii) The Disability Equality Duty
(iv) The Race Equality Duty
(v) Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
(vi) Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998
(vii) Employment Rights Act 1996
(viii) The Human Rights Act 1998
If you believe your image or personal information has been used inappropriately then please
report this to your line manager as soon as possible.
If you suspect criminal activity has occurred with your image or personal information then
report the incident to the Police for advice or further action.
Children and Young People are not permitted to;
● Take photos, videos or audio of any WDC employee, visitor or any other adult under any
circumstance
● Use Technological Devices to humiliate, blackmail or invade the privacy of any WDC
employee, visitor or any other adult.
● Initiate contact with any WDC employee, visitor or any other adult using Technological
Devices outwith the bounds of normal schooling practice (e.g. Google Classroom
applications, etc).

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Parent or Carer responsibility -
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guidance from Police Scotland
Parents or carers should be confident to take responsibility for their children’s appropriate
use of technological devices. In the act of a parent or carer giving a device to a child, the
parent or carer believes the child is responsible enough to have and use one
appropriately.
Parents or carers should understand that they have every right to check their child’s
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device, whether a concern has arisen or not, as the device will more than likely be the
property of the parent or carer as opposed to the child. Parents or carers should also
understand that checking their child’s device regularly is for their child’s own safety as
much as anything else.
Parents or carers should be confident to sit down with their child and explain what having a
device means. This includes the clear benefits to appropriate device use but being very
clear on the dangers and consequences of inappropriate device use.
There are community information sessions available to parents or carers within their
communities to receive information relating to technological devices. These are delivered
by Youth Engagement Officers from Police Scotland.

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Useful Links and Further Information from Police Scotland
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● Think you Know: An education programme for advice about staying safe when
you're on a phone, tablet or computer. www.thinkuknow.co.uk
● Home Activity Packs: Download home activity packs with simple 15-minute
activities for your child to support their online safety at a time when they will be
spending more time online at home.
www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Support-tools/home-activity-worksheets

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● Internet Matters: Get expert support and practical tips to help children benefit from
connected technology and the internet safely and smartly. www.internetmatters.org
● Project Evolve: Resources to equip children and young people for digital life.
www.projectevolve.co.uk
● UK Safer Internet Centre: Promote the safe and responsible use of technology for
young people and provide online safety tips, advice and resources to help children
and young people stay safe online. www.saferinternet.org.uk
● Childline: Childline is a free and confidential service for children and young people.
You can phone them on 0800 11 11 or you can visit their website
www.childline.org.uk
● NSPCC: If you are an adult and worried about a child you can call the 24-hour
NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit their website. www.nspcc.org.uk
● ParentLine Scotland: Call 08000282233 or email:

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parentlinescotland@children1st.org.uk Parent Line's opening hours are from
9am-10pm (Mon-Fri) and 12 noon-8pm at weekends.
● Crimestoppers: Call 0800 555 111 or visit their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org
● Police Scotland: Call 101 for advice and support (or call 999 if you think a child is in
immediate danger). www.scotland.police.uk
Legal Aspects
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There are a number of legal considerations that may apply to mobile phone misuse and
the responses to these situations. In the most serious cases there may be a crime involved
– an incident that is being filmed might be an assault or breach of the peace.
The misuse of a mobile phone might be an offence under the Communications Act 2003, if
it involves a call or message that is grossly offensive or is of an indecent, obscene or
menacing character; and, the distribution of certain pornography might be an offence
under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
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● In situations where criminal activity is suspected, you should liaise directly with
the Police, who will then determine the most appropriate course of action.
The Police and not the school will consider what, if any, criminal offence has
taken place.
● Staff should engage with the formal processes and protocols in criminal
incidents that are being taken forward by Police Scotland

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● These guidance on use apply equally during any school activity that takes
place off campus e.g. Extra Curricular Activities, School Trips, etc
● Children and Young People in breach of this guidance will be managed in line
with the school’s positive behaviour policy
A full list of legislation relevant to all aspects of online safety, including the safe and
responsible use of mobile technology, can be found in the annex (which is available at
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education/Schools/HLivi/behaviour). Regardless of specific
legal aspects, staff, children and young people have a right to feel safe and protected. The
school’s policies on promoting positive behaviour and anti-bullying provide a framework
which underpins responses to individual cases where mobile technologies have been, or
are perceived to have been, misused.
Where criminal events have been recorded using a mobile device, this immediately
becomes a police matter and the school should place the device in the hands of the police
without trying to access the contents.
Sharing of photographs, video and audio recordings 19
In schools, taking photographs or film/audio recordings of anyone without their permission
may be regarded as a breach of a person’s rights. Advice in this situation may be sought
from Police Scotland to determine if further action is required.
If Children and Young People are found to be sharing content for the purposes of
humiliation or bullying purposes, even if they are not the creator, will still be investigated.
These instances may be shared with Police Scotland if appropriate.
Should any member of the school community record images and then upload them onto

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social networks without permission from the person being recorded, the creator may be
asked to remove the content from social media. If they do not comply, this may result in
further action from the school.
Individuals may also approach social networks to request removal of inappropriate
materials, but the decision to do this lies with the social network provider.

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Digital Addiction
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What is Digital Addiction?
According to the website Dwell in Mind (2021), Digital Addiction “...refers to the
condition in which a person engages in compulsive use of digital devices causing
damage to one’s work life and relationships. Digital addiction includes overuse of
Phones, video games, social media, and the internet.”
What harm can it cause?
“People get prone to digital addiction to escape from isolation, pain, and stress.
Engaging in digital activities provides them a sense of escape from their real
life. Pathological use of the internet is a form of non-chemical addiction that can
be

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harmful and lead to several psychological disorders. Studies suggest that digital
addictions are highly comorbid with substance use, loneliness, social isolation,
anxiety, and mood disorders. Another subtype of digital addiction is online gaming
which is highly addictive due to its visual stimulus rewards and pleasure.
The pleasure and stimulation provided from these on-screen activities constantly
want us to crave more time with digital devices. The more time is spent with
devices the more stimulation is required to achieve gratification. This disturbs the
brain’s pleasure centre and hormonal system that could result in mood and mental
health disorders. Withdrawal from digital technology can lead to frustration,
irritability, changing moods, and anxiety.
When kids are overly exposed to digital devices and technology, they tend to spend
less time on outdoor activities and social interaction. This results in developmental
side-effects on their physical and mental well-being. Increased technology time also
has a detrimental effect on a child’s social and communication skills development.”
(Digital Addiction: Definition, Symptoms and Treatment, Dwell in Mind, 2021)
What are the signs and symptoms of Digital Addiction? (Digital Addiction: Definition,
Symptoms and Treatment, Dwell in Mind, 2021)
Signs and symptoms can include;-
● Preoccupation with phone or excessively using social media, video games,
mobile phones or other digital activities/devices
● Difficulty in reducing screen time despite being aware of the consequences
and issues caused by it.
● Experiencing irritability, anxiety or restlessness when you cannot access
screen media.
● Lack of interest in offline or physical activities.
● Inability to feel pleasure and gratification from any other leisure activities. ●

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Prioritising use of digital devices over sleep, nourishment, work, and personal
hygiene.
● Inability to concentrate on work or in academics.
● Impairments in interpersonal and social relationships caused due to
engagement with devices/technology.
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Supports for reducing Digital Addiction (Digital Addiction: Definition, Symptoms and
Treatment, Dwell in Mind, 2021)
1. Acknowledge the problem; It is very important to first recognise and accept
that a problem exists. When you acknowledge the problem, you are likely to
seek treatment.
2. The next step is to Identify your triggers. Look out for situations, environmental
and emotional factors such as loneliness, boredom, stress that
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may trigger the craving for more screen time. Once you identify these factors
steps can be taken to eliminate their effects.

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3. Change your Routine and try to remain physically active. Practice yoga,
mindfulness and meditation which will allow you to introspect your life and
gain focus on purpose of your life.
4. Self-corrective behaviours are also helpful in eliminating screen time.
Corrective behaviours include keeping your devices off /out of reach while
eating, working and at sleep time. Using softwares that reminds you
about screen time or controls usage of internet can also be helpful.
5. Therapists or other mental health professional can provide treatment of
digital addiction. The therapy helps an individual develop self-control and the
ability to use screen technology in a healthy way.
Guidance that can be shared with parents (Digital Addiction: Definition, Symptoms
and Treatment, Dwell in Mind, 2021)
1. Be a role model to your kids. A child’s relationship with his parents and
caregivers is the most important and key aspect of development. Kids
observe and imitate their elders therefore it is important that you follow what
you want to inculcate. Limit your own usage of digital technology, follow
healthy habits and be a positive role model.
2. Set boundaries and routine for your kids. Allow them to spend 1-2 hours
screen time per day after homework. Restrict usage of digital devices on the
dinner table or during bedtimes. Follow routine and stick to the rules.
3. Spend quality time with your kids. Show them you care and address their
emotional needs. Instead of criticising, discuss with them about your
concerns and try to understand their emotions. Always reassure them that
you love them and that you care about their happiness.
4. Replace online activities with offline and outdoor activities: Try to discover
common hobbies and interests or plan some family activities such as playing
outdoor games/board games, gardening, sporting activities etc. Spending
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family time together on leisure-activities can help in developing greater
emotional bonding and helps parents to relate more to the children.

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Appendix 1 - Example of Acceptable Use Policy for
Children and Young People
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AccesstoClydebankHighSchoolDigitalTechnologies
AcceptableUsePolicyforChildrenandYoungPeople
OurExpectations
AcceptableUseofDigitalTechnologywithinClydebankHigh
1.YoumustalwaysgetpermissionfromateacherbeforeusingtheICTSystemoraccessingany
informationorapplication.
2.YoumustkeepsecretyourpersonalloginandpasswordfortheICTSystemandneverallowothersto
usethem.

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3.YoumustnotattempttoaccessanypartoftheICTSystemthatisnotpartofyourpersonaldesktop.
4.YoumustnotintentionallydamageorvandaliseanypartoftheICTSystem(including
computer/chromebook,monitor,keyboard,mouse,printer,cableetc)ordeleteanycomputersoftware
usedontheICTSystemorthedataofanotheruser.
5.Youmustnotintentionallyintroducesoftwaredesignedtocausedamagetoanycomponentpartof
theICTSystemsoftware(commonlyknownasavirus).
6.Allpupilsshouldnotethatitisalltooeasytodamagecomputerequipmentthroughspillageoffoodand
drinkandthereisariskofinjurywhereliquidscomeintocontactwithelectricalappliances.7.Youmust
alwaysendyoursessiononacomputerbyclosingitdowncorrectly.Ifyouareunsurehowtoclosedown,
youshouldaskyourteacher.
8.YoumustnotusetheICTSystemforbusiness,orothercommercialactivitiesincludingproduct
advertisementorpoliticallobbying.
AcceptableUseofE-mailandOnline
Youareresponsibleforgoodbehaviouronlineandshould
consideryoure-mailcommunicationsasbeingsimilarin
allrespectstoanyconversationinaclassroomoraschool
corridor.Generalschoolrulesapply.
Inadditionthefollowingactsareprohibited:
1.Sendingordisplayinganyabusive,sexist,racistor
otherwiseoﬀensivematerial.
2.Usingobscenelanguage.
3.Accessingorattemptingtoaccessanyinappropriate
oroﬀensivematerial.
4.Violatingcopyrightlaws.
5.Failingtoreportknowninstancesofanyoftheabove.
Remember,everythingthatyoudoonthesystemwillbe
automaticallyrecordedandWDCmonitoryour
compliancewiththisAcceptableUsePolicy.
24
YourPromise
Pupil
As a pupil ofthisschoolIagreei)toabidebytherulesforacceptableuseofICTSystemassetoutabove,ii)
that I will not engage in any of the prohibited activities identiﬁed above; and iii) that I will use the ICT
System in a responsible way and observe all the restrictions in relation to the ICT Systems which are
notiﬁedtomebyteachers.
PupilSignature Date

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FullName
Class
Parent
DR
AF

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T
As the parent/carer or legal guardian of the pupil signing above, Igrantpermissionforhim/herto
use the ICT System including electronic mail and the Internet. I agree to encourage him/her to
abide by the rules outlined for acceptable use of the ICT facilities.Iunderstandthatpupilswillbe
held accountable for theirownactions.IalsounderstandthatsomematerialsontheInternetmay
be objectionable and I accept responsibility for setting standards for him/her to follow when
selecting,sharingandexploringinformationandmedia.
Parent/Guardian
Signature
Date
FullNameofPupil Class
25
Appendix 2 - Acceptable Use Policy for School Staff
Acceptable Use Policy for School Staff
Users Responsibilities:

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● Users must use the protective covers/cases and chargers provided for their device/chrome
book at all times.
● Never drop nor place heavy objects (books, laptops) on top of the device/chrome book.
DRAF

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● A soft cloth should be used to clean the device/chrome book screen or 70 per cent
isopropyl alcohol wipes can be used.
● Do not subject the device/chrome book to extreme heat or cold.
● If you require to leave the laptop/chrome book in your vehicle ensure it is locked and out of
sight and not stored in the vehicle overnight.
● Users may not photograph any other person, without that persons’ or parental consent.
● Be aware that the device/chrome book is enrolled in a School Management System and is
subject to routine monitoring by West Dunbartonshire Council or Clydebank High School.
● Devices must be surrendered immediately upon request by any designated member of
staff.
● Users in breach of the IT Acceptable Use Policy may be subject to disciplinary action,
confiscation, removal of content or referral to external agencies in the event of illegal
activity.
● No personal files should be stored on the school device/chrome books.
● Clydebank High School is not responsible for the financial nor other loss of any personal
files stored inappropriately on a device/chrome book.
Safeguarding and Maintaining as a Learning Tool:
● All devices/chrome books are required to be charged and be ready to use in school.
● Items deleted from the device/chrome book cannot be recovered.
● The whereabouts of the device/chrome book should be known at all times. ● It is a user’s
responsibility to keep their device/chrome book safe and secure. ● If a device/chrome book is

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found unattended, it should be taken immediately to the school office
● All devices/chrome books may require to be returned and reset at any time. ● All
devices/chrome books should always be available when needed for learning and
teaching purposes.
26
Lost, Damaged or Stolen devices/chrome book
If the device/chrome book is lost, stolen, or damaged, the Head teacher must be notified
immediately. No further action should be taken unless directed by the Head teacher.
Prohibited Uses (not exclusive):
● All material on the device/chrome book must adhere to West Dunbartonshires IT
DRAF

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Acceptable Use Policy. Users are not allowed to send, access, upload, download or
distribute offensive, threatening, pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit materials. ● Use of
the school’s internet/e-mail accounts for financial or commercial gain or for any illegal activity.
● The user agrees that the camera will not be used to take inappropriate, illicit or sexually
explicit photographs or videos, nor will it be used to embarrass anyone in any way. Any use
of camera in toilets or changing rooms, regardless of intent, will be treated as a serious
violation.
● Posting of images/movie on the Internet into a public forum is strictly forbidden, without the
express permission of the Head teacher or designated person.
● Misuse of Passwords, Codes or other unauthorised Access: Users must set a passcode on
their device/chrome book to prevent other Users from misusing it. This should not be
shared with pupils.
● Gaining unauthorised access to another user’s accounts, files or data may be subject to
disciplinary action.
● Any attempt to destroy hardware, software or data will be subject to disciplinary action. ●
Inappropriate media may not be used as a screensaver or background photo. Presence of
pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drug or gang related symbols or
pictures will result in disciplinary actions.
● Individual users are responsible for the setting up and use of any home internet connections
and no support will be provided for this by the school.
● Clydebank High School reserves the right to confiscate and search a device/chrome book to
ensure compliance with the IT Acceptable Use Policy.

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27
Appendix 3 - Exemplar Letter to Parents and Carers
Dear Parent / Carer
A recent survey conducted at one of the West Dunbartonshire High Schools has revealed
that 80% of teaching and support staff are concerned about increasing disruption caused
by social use of technological devices in class.
Following consultation with pupils, parents and staff, our technological device policy is being
updated to reflect the importance of providing an environment that allows young
DRAFT
people to learn without interruption due to an over-dependence on technological devices.
After all, children and young people are not permitted to use technological devices during
SQA exams (up to three hours at a time) and should practice working without them.
We will not be confiscating phones from children and young people but we are committed
to:
· minimising the disruption to learning and teaching caused by social use of
technological devices in class

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· reducing the impact devices have on the performance of our young people ·
reducing anxiety caused by a dependence on social media
· delivering the highest quality education without unnecessary distraction
Most young people consider mobile phones to be an integral part of daily life. We all use
mobile phones for entertainment, to maintain a social connection and gain information.
https://www.addictiontips.net/phone-addiction/positive-effects-of-mobile-phones-on-youth/
Research by psychiatrists suggests that almost a quarter of young people are so
dependent on their smartphones that it becomes like an addiction.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-50593971
This study, from King's College London, says such addictive behaviour means that people
become "panicky" or "upset" if they are denied constant access. The youngsters also
cannot control the amount of time they spend on the technological device. The study
warns that such addictions have "serious consequences" for mental health.
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