Queensland cybersafety policies
This section provides links to information about the cybersafety policies and procedures provided by the Queensland education authorities.
Independent Schools
Queensland Catholic Education Commission
Independent Schools, Queensland
Each independent school, or system, in Queensland is independent of other schools and systems. This means they are responsible for their own policies and procedures. In theory this means each of the, some, 185 independent schools could have a separate policy on cybersafety. In practice it means that most schools have similar policies but each policy is developed for the schools’ context and consistent with the schools’ values.
Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ), the peak body for independent schools in Queensland, provides a number of policies as templates for schools to use to develop their own cybersafety policies. It also provides technology related articles from time to time on matters related to technology and cybersafety.
Approach to cybersafety
Independent schools view cybersafety as part of a broader culture they seek to develop for child protection and safety. While schools may, for example, use software that limits access to various sites, the more general approach is to educate students in the ethical use of technology.
ISQ provides the following policies related to Child Safety:
- Child Protection Policy–this policy covers information about the reporting of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect of children; and how to protect young people from inappropriate behaviour, harassment, and self-harm.
- The Child Protection Policy is supported by a Child Protection Compliance policy
Anti-bullying Policy–this policy seeks to ensure that students and staff feel safe from bullying, including cyberbullying and sets out procedures for dealing with bullying. The basic beliefs underlying the policy are:
- Every individual has value in a community.
- Every individual has the right to feel safe from bullying or harassment in all its forms.
- Every conflict can be resolved. Victims and bullies both need help to solve conflict.
- A 'No-Blame' approach is the most effective means of dealing with conflict resolution.
- Every individual in a community is responsible for the safety of other individuals in that community.
- Every individual in a community is responsible for ensuring that other individuals in that community can reach their potential in a supportive and non-threatening environment.
The Education Services link on the ISQ website also provides resources on Student Health and Wellness and includes links to:
The National Safe Schools Framework
Mind Matters
Values Education.
ICT security
Independent Schools Queensland provides two relevant policies on its members’ website:
- Computer Use Policy–this policy outlines protocols and procedures for the use of schools’ electronic communication facilities and covers the use of school computers and other electronic devices, including internet access, email protocols, electronic records access, security of information and confidentiality requirements.
- Mobile Phone Policy–the policy outlines the procedures for responsible use of mobile phones by students on school premises and on school related activities.
Acceptable Use Policies
The Acceptable Use Policy is included in the Computer Use policy above
Cyberbullying policy
General advice to schools is supplied on how parents can protect their children when using information technologies and how they should respond to cyber-bullying. Reference is made to cyberbullying in the ICT security policies cited above.
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Queensland Catholic Education Commission
The Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) has certain state-wide responsibilities in respect of Catholic schools which are administered by five Diocesan education authorities and a number of Religious Institutes of Queensland collectively known as Queensland Catholic school employing authorities.
Each Catholic school authority has its own contextualised policies and positions with regard to cybersafety related issues. General cybersafety resources and contact information is available via the relevant websites and may also be available to Catholic school communities through secured sites.
Queensland Catholic Education Commission
http://www.qcec.catholic.edu.au/
Catholic Education, Diocese of Cairns
http://www.ceo.cairns.catholic.edu.au
Catholic Education, Diocese of Townsville
http://www.tsv.catholic.edu.au/
Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton
http://www.rok.catholic.edu.au
Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Brisbane
http://www.bne.catholic.edu.au/
Catholic Education, Diocese of Toowoomba
http://www.twb.catholic.edu.au/
Queensland Religious Institute Schools
http://www.qcec.catholic.edu.au/*
(*Please refer to the Queensland Directory of Catholic Schools available via the QCEC website).
Specific resources and/or contact information in relation to cybersafety for Queensland Catholic school authority groups are also presented below and may be updated periodically.
Approach to cybersafety
Rockhampton
Diocesan Consultant - Personal & Social Development Education (07) 4931 3600
ICT security
Rockhampton
Information Technology Manager (07) 4931 3600
Townsville
ICT Administrator, (07) 4773 0900
Acceptable Use Policies and Codes of Conduct
Rockhampton
Information Technology Manager (07) 4931 3600
Townsville
Acceptable Use Policy
Townsville
Codes of Conduct (Staff)
Cyberbullying policy
Rockhampton
Diocesan Consultant - Personal & Social Development Education (07) 4931 3600
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