Western Australian cybersafety policies
This section provides links to information about the cybersafety policies and procedures provided by the Western Australian education authorities.
Association of Independent Schools, Western Australia
Catholic Education Office, Western Australia
Department of Education, Western Australia
Association of Independent Schools, Western Australia
The Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA) is an organization that represents the interests of independent schools in WA. These schools represent a diverse group with widely differing religious beliefs and educational philosophies. AISWA can provide advice to schools on how to develop policies and procedures but it is the responsibility of each independent school to develop the policy and procedures that suit their individual school’s needs.
Approach to Cybersafety
Cybersafety is an issue that all schools must be able to identify and address. Children can be victims of cyberbullying or attract the attention of predators on the internet.
Bullying is a form of abuse that can seriously affect the health, wellbeing and educational outcomes of children. This includes those being bullied, those bullying others, families and the whole school community. The impact of bullying can be tracked to adulthood for many individuals.
The internet is one of the main sources of communication for young people today with the popularity of chat rooms, discussion groups, and playing interactive games. Unfortunately it is also a very attractive place for predators to go as they can remain virtually anonymous whilst participating in a range of paedophilic activity.
The Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia can provide comprehensive information to member schools to ensure that the school has an approach that addresses all aspects of cybersafety.
ICT security
AISWA provides information and advice for schools wishing to develop an Information Security Policy. The purpose of such a policy is to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to protect information and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems, services and equipment of the school and associated infrastructure. Typically, the policy will follow the broad requirements under Australian Standard Information Technology Code of Practice for Information Security Management. AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17799:2001. The policy would cover such issues as acceptable user policies and codes of conduct.
In addition, AISWA provides advice on the procurement of necessary infrastructure equipment and services used for the purposes of ICT (internet) security. Further details can be found in the IT procurement (member) area of the AISWA website.
Acceptable Use Policies and Codes of Conduct
The increased ownership of mobile phones and the internet requires that school administrators, teachers, students, and parents take steps to ensure that mobile phones and the internet are used responsibly. In addition to these tools being addressed in the school’s cyberbullying policy, each school should have an Acceptable Use Policy to ensure that potential issues (such as mobile etiquette) can be clearly identified and addressed, ensuring the benefits that these tools provide can continue to be enjoyed by students.
AISWA member schools can access the document ‘Use of Technology within the School’ in the Policies and Procedures section of the AISWA website www.ais.wa.edu.au.
Cyberbullying
Bullying is now more pervasive with new technologies such as text messaging, email, chat rooms, mobile phones, mobile phone cameras, discussion groups or web pages. These covert psychological methods also allow the person bullying to be even further removed from the person they are bullying and the direct consequences of their actions.
While the majority of the cyberbullying behaviour occurs outside of school, schools need to have an active policy and accompanying procedures on cyberbullying that addresses these issues.
AISWA member schools can access the document ‘Preventing and Managing Bullying’ as it outlines the areas that need to be addressed by schools, including cyberbullying. This document is in the Policy and Procedures section of the AISWA website www.ais.wa.edu.au
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Catholic Education Office, Western Australia
Approach to Cybersafety
Catholic schools in Western Australia are now using information and communication technology (ICT) extensively to support student learning. With this comes a responsibility to ensure that learning takes place in an environment where the safe and responsible use of ICT is modelled and taught. A comprehensive school program of cybersafety, including addressing cyberbullying, should be based upon three core components:
- An infrastructure of policies, procedures and use agreements
- An effective electronic security system
- A comprehensive cybersafety education program
During the NSSF review process, the Psychology, Learning and Teaching K-12 and Information and Communication and Technology teams will continue to work closely together to support schools in relation to cybersafety.
ICT Security, Acceptable Use Policies and Codes of Conduct
A policy outlining expectations of student use of ICT and providing explicit guidance for schools to develop acceptable use policies is available.
Cyberbullying
The Framework for the Development of Pastoral Care in Catholic Schools provides the framework within which Catholic schools develop school policies related to the safety and wellbeing of school community members. This Framework is informed and given its spirit by the school’s place as a part of the evangelical ministry of the church, and follows the principles of the National Safe Schools Framework.
The Catholic Education Commission of WA Dealing With Bullying and Harassment (Students) policy is the official policy statement of the Catholic Education Commission of WA from which each school is expected to derive its own Dealing With Bullying and Harassment policy, ensuring that Catholic schools are safe and supportive communities where bullying, harassment and violence, including the use of electronic means to bully and harass others, are minimised. More information is available at: http://web4.ceo.wa.edu.au/PDF/policystatements/School_Community_Operations/2-C12_Dealing_with_Bullying_and_Harassment_(Students).pdf
A Director’s Noticeboard statement to Catholic Principals: National Safe Schools Framework and Cybersafety (28 April 2009) directs that Catholic schools will develop a comprehensive school program of cybersafety, including addressing cyberbullying, based upon three core components:
- An infrastructure of policies, procedures and use agreements
- An effective electronic security system
- A comprehensive cybersafety education program
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Department of Education, Western Australia
Approach to Cybersafety
The Department of Education is committed to the development of cybersafe school communities.
The Department’s Behaviour Management in Schools (BMIS) policy articulates mandatory procedures to support schools to develop positive pro-social student behaviours and to effectively deal with inappropriate student behaviour.
Under the BMIS policy, together with the following mandatory ICT policies, schools are required to develop and implement appropriate use, mobile phone and cyber bullying polices:
- Students Online
- Information and Communication Technologies Security
- Network Security for Schools and District Education Offices
- Password and User ID Security
- Telecommunications Use
The following Department codes, policies and guidelines set clear parameters for appropriate behaviour between staff and students, including social interaction through technology and networking websites. These include the:
Acceptable Use Policies and Codes of Conduct
The Department’s Students Online Policy supports schools to put in place processes and procedures to protect and inform students and parents about appropriate use of Department provided online services.
Guidelines, sample acceptable use agreements and sample online consent forms are provided with this policy.
Cyberbullying
The Department takes the prevention and management of cyberbullying very seriously. The Department’s Behaviour Management in Schools policy requires all principals to develop and implement a strategy for the prevention and management of bullying, including cyberbullying, as part of their school’s behaviour management planning.
In some instances State authorities such as the Department of Child Protection and the Western Australian Police, must be contacted. The Department supports and adheres to the Mandatory Reporting Laws when an incident of sexual abuse has taken place.
The Department has a partnership with the Edith Cowan University Child Health Promotion Research Centre to collaboratively develop evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage cyberbullying.
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