Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

Purpose of the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

Technology is an essential part of learning in today’s world. As a Google for Education Reference School, Qihua Primary School is committed to developing Future-Ready Learners who are digitally literate and responsible.

This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) establishes guidelines on the appropriate use of EdTech resources to help you understand how to use these resources safely and responsibly, in line with efforts to develop your digital literacies and growth as digitally responsible citizens.

These guidelines are anchored on our school vision of "Every Qihuaian a learner, a leader and a champion" and our values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Integrity, Care and Teamwork.

EdTech resources include the following, but are not limited to:

• Learning devices: School-managed devices such as Chromebooks, iPads, and Laptops

• ICT system accounts: Google Workspace for Education accounts (Gmail, Drive, Classroom), Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS), MIMS (Student iCON), and the school internet networks

For more information, please refer to: Student Kit on Cyber Wellness and Learning with a Learning Device (Primary) – https://go.gov.sg/cw-studentkitpri

General Guidelines

• You must not attempt to access data, system and information that you are not authorised to

• You are reminded that the use of learning devices and school’s EdTech resources is solely be for the purpose of learning

Being a Responsible Digital Citizen Respectful Interaction & Prohibited Acts

• Respect: You must interact with others in a respectful and responsible way. You must not post online remarks that are

  • racially and/or religiously insensitive,

  • vulgar and/or offensive, or

  • hurtful to others

• The THINK Framework: Before posting or sharing, always ask yourself:

  • Is it True?

  • Is it Helpful?

  • Is it Inspiring?

  • Is it Necessary?

  • Is it Kind?

• Inappropriate Use: You must not use any devices to

  • Store, modify, create or share content (e.g. documents, presentations, pictures and videos) that is inappropriate (e.g. indecent, pornographic, defamatory, hurtful to self or others)

  • Make threats, cause harassment or embarrassment, impersonate or intimidate others

Respect for Property & Device Loan Terms

• Care: You are responsible for always taking care of the device. You must not vandalise the devices or use them in a way that could cause damage

• Loan Accountability: For school-loaned devices (e.g., during Eaglets or 1-to-1 Programme), you agree to:

  • Return on Time: Return the device immediately when the loan period ends

  • Good Condition: Return the device in the same good condition as when it was received

Intellectual Property Rights and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Copyright & Ownership

• You are reminded to respect the intellectual property rights of others

• You must not use the school’s EdTech resources to download, copy, or share copyrighted materials (e.g., music, videos, games, and software) without permission

• You must not use, copy, edit or share digital files in an unauthorised or illegal manner.

Responsible AI Use

• Teacher Guidance: Only use AI tools explicitly authorised by your teachers for specific lessons (e.g., during Code for Fun or AI for Fun programmes)

• Legal Age: You must ensure that you meet the minimum age requirement (usually aged 13 and above) specified in each AI tool's term of service before using it

• Academic Integrity: You are to practice academic integrity and be responsible for your own learning when using AI. Understand that you are ultimately short-changing yourself if you pass off AI-generated work as your own

• Acknowledgement: If the use of AI is permitted for a specific assignment, you must acknowledge the use of AI in your weighted assessments and homework as required by your teachers

• Emotional Safety: Do not use AI chatbots for personal social-emotional support or to discuss sensitive personal issues. Always seek a trusted adult (such as a teacher or parent) for help with feelings or relationship problems

Staying Safe and Secure Online

• Reporting Incidents

  • You must report any incidents (e.g., unusual device behaviour, cyber-bullying, or inappropriate use of devices) to the school immediately

• Online Safety Habits

  • Protect Credentials: Do not disclose personal access credentials (e.g., MIMS password, PLD/Chromebook passcode), or sensitive personal data (e.g., home address, phone numbers) online or on AI platforms

  • Verify Content: Verify the credibility of online content before sharing. Be cautious regarding the limitations of AI tools, including potential inaccuracies, fabricated responses, inherent biases and outdated information

  • Stranger Danger: Be cautious when interacting with others online (e.g., on social media) and do not engage with strangers

  • Security: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files

Digital Wellbeing and Balance

• Balance

  • Technology is a tool, not the whole experience. You are reminded to balance screen time with other activities, including physical exercise, outdoor play, and face-to-face social interactions

  • You should avoid excessive use of your devices outside of designated learning hours. For guidance, please refer to Parent Hub: Grow Well SG - Nurturing Healthy Behaviours

• Health Habits

  • Eye Care: Take regular breaks to rest your eyes and mind

  • Sleep Hygiene: Practice good sleep hygiene by not using your devices at least one hour before bedtime. It is recommended to dock/charge your device outside your bedroom at night

School’s Right to Monitor and Manage

The school reserves the right to monitor the use of its EdTech resources, including accessing, reviewing, and disclosing any data or information stored on or transmitted via these resources, to ensure compliance with this policy and applicable laws

Consequences of Misuse

Non-compliance with the above will lead to disciplinary action in accordance with the school’s discipline policy. This may include:

• Temporary or permanent revocation of access to EdTech resources/devices (e.g., if the device is damaged, lost, or stolen due to negligence)

• The school confiscating the device if it is not used properly

• Other disciplinary measures in accordance with the school’s discipline policy.