In order to create and maintain an effective and safe electronic learning environment for students,

the District School Board of Niagara requires that all students follow the sets of rules and netiquette

stated in this Acceptable Use Agreement. Information and Communication Technologies include,

but are not limited to, the use of computers, the Internet, our Intranet and e-mail.

The granting of a computer account and the access given to curricular resources on the

Acceptable Use Agreement carefully. A parent/guardian signature is required on the attached

Agreement and Consent Form before student access is granted for use of the ICT services provided

by the District School Board of Niagara.

• You are expected to use appropriate language online and to be polite and respectful at all

times. Obscene, vulgar, socially offensive, sexist, profane or other objectionable language

is not to be used or transmitted on any of the networks.

• Bullying or harassment, via the Internet or any other communication device, is totally

unacceptable. Never post, publish or display defamatory, abusive, embarrassing, sexually

oriented, racially offensive, harassing or threatening material.

• This Acceptable Use Agreement extends to cover use of the Internet from non-DSBN

computers and networks where any inappropriate reference is made to DSBN staff, students,

programs or properties.

• Do not access or transmit pornographic, sexually explicit, or other inappropriate materials

including violence and gore. If such material is accessed by accident, the incident must be

reported immediately to a teacher.

• Posting messages and attributing them to another user, or otherwise misrepresenting yourself

online, is unacceptable.

• Do not broadcast a private message sent to you without permission of the sender.

• Non-academic use of DSBN computers (e.g., instant messaging, social networking, playing

online games), except where directed by a teacher, will not be tolerated.

• Do not plagiarize works found on the Internet/Intranet. It is unlawful to take the ideas,

writings or images of others and present them as if they were yours.

• Do not transmit or download information, media or software in violation of copyright laws.

• Use information accessed on the Internet judiciously. The information may not be accurate,

factual or without bias.

• Never reveal personal information online. This includes your name (first, last or nickname),

address, phone number, age, e-mail address, school name and location, etc., as well as

anyone else’s personal information.

• Do not share your password or account information with anyone.

• Never send a picture of yourself, another person or a group over the network without the

proper permission.

• The introduction of malicious programs, e.g., viruses, worms, Trojan horses, into a single

computer, server or network is strictly prohibited.

• Any malicious attempt to modify, erase, harm or destroy the files of other users on the

network will not be tolerated.

• Do not cause damage to any computer hardware or peripherals including keyboards,

monitors, mice, printers, etc.

• Logging into the system as another user is strictly prohibited.

• Do not attempt to access information for which you are not authorized. This includes the

unauthorized access to DSBN files or servers.

• Adding, deleting or modifying installed software is not permitted.

• Keep the use of network services within reasonable limits in terms of time and volume of

information transferred through the system. Sending mass mailings of large documents or

transferring large files at times of peak system usage may disrupt the use of the network by

other users.

• Do not transmit or place unlawful information on the system or carry out unlawful activities

using the network (e.g., the illegal installation of software).

• Do not use the DSBN network to buy or sell anything.

In the event that a student violates the DSBN Acceptable Use Agreement, the school administrator

may deny, restrict or suspend the student’s access to the DSBN system. Disciplinary action will be

tailored to meet the concerns related to the violation and to assist the student in gaining the selfdiscipline

necessary to behave appropriately on our electronic network.

If the violation is an infraction of the school Code of Conduct, the violation will be handled in

accordance with the provisions of the school’s code. Legal authorities will be contacted if there is

any suspicion of illegal activities.

I have read the District School Board of Niagara’s Acceptable Use Agreement for students using

Communication and Information Technologies (ICT) which includes, but is not limited to, the use

of computers, the Internet, DSBN Intranet and e-mail. I understand that ICT access is provided for

educational purposes only and hereby agree to comply with the rules and netiquette as stated in the

DSBN Acceptable Use Agreement. I also understand that failure to comply will result in disciplinary

measures.

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As parent/guardian of the above student, I grant permission for my child to access the Information

and Communication Technologies Services provided by the District School Board of Niagara. I have

read and agree to the DSBN Acceptable Use Agreement for ICT which includes, but is not limited

to, the use of computers, the Internet, DSBN Intranet and e-mail. I recognize that it is impossible for

the District School Board of Niagara to completely control access to controversial materials online

and therefore, will not hold the Board responsible for inappropriate materials that are accessed on

occasion. In support of the Acceptable Use Agreement, I will help to guide my child and convey to

him/her appropriate standards and uses to selecting, sharing and/or exploring information and media

online.

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