Guidelines on the use of the Internet in primary schools will shortly be issued to all primary schools through the National Centre for Technology in Education. Concern has been expressed by parents that children might encounter inappropriate material while using the Internet at school. The new pack looks at how schools can take precautions against this happening. According to the guidelines, every school should draw up its own Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) before it is involved in any use of the Internet. The AUP should be a product of consultation between management, parents, teachers and pupils. This policy should address rights and responsibilities associated with the Internet, and it should incorporate a code of conduct to be signed by all participants.

The pack includes a sample school policy and legal information under the Data Protection Act. It also includes suggested school procedures for Internet use. It suggests that, where possible, teachers should preview sites, closely monitor the use of search engines, ensure appropriate filtering software such as Cyber Patrol or Net Nanny is installed, and clearly outline the rules for Internet use to pupils and parents. Pupils should be advised to refrain from ever giving out personal information. They should never make arrangements for unsupervised meetings with another person on-line without permission from their teacher or parent, and if pupils receive a message which makes them uncomfortable, they should be advised to report it to the teacher straight away. The pack also includes information for parents on the Internet, and how it is likely to be used in the classroom setting. For further information contact John Hurley, National Co-Ordinator of ScoilNet, at the National Centre for Technology Education, tel 704 8200