Acceptable Use Policy - Unacceptable Uses Guidelines

This list is provided as a resource only. Each school will have to make a determination as to what are Unacceptable Uses that need to be outlined in their AUP. If a school doesn't allow email access then Unacceptable Uses aimed at the misuse of email would not be included in their AUP.

• Email
  • Sending or forwarding chain letters
  • Spamming - sending annoying email to lists of over 20 people
  • Resending private messages without permission of the person who sent the message.
  • Subscribing to unauthorized mail lists
  • Failing to maintain email storage area
    • not deleting unwanted emails
    • not checking email regularly
  • Sending personal contact  information about themselves or other students or staff. 
    • Personal contact information includes home address, home telephone, school address, work address, etc.
  • Sending emails with false or defamatory information.
  • Sending emails that are intended to harass, insult, or are personal or discriminatory attacks on another user.
     
• Unacceptable Material
  • Obscene or profane material (pornography)
  • Dangerous "how to" material,  that if acted upon could cause harm to oneself or others 
    • Instructions on breaking into computer systems
    • Materials on bomb making information
    • Materials that give directions for performing criminal acts.
       
• Unacceptable Language
  • Obscene, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, abusive or derogatory.
  • If web pages are allowed to be created by students then unacceptable language might include spelling and grammar.
     
• Network
  • Tampering with the school network’s wiring, software or hardware.
  • Installing illegal software, shareware, or freeware.
  • Trying to gain unauthorized access to the school system.
    • By hacking
    • Using another persons login information.
    • Accessing someone else's file area.
  • Using the network for commercial purposes.
  • Damaging the network by the purposely activating a virus, worm, or Trojan horse program.
     
• Illegal Activities
  • Use email to stalk someone.
  • Making unauthorized electronic transfer of funds
  • Making copies of commercial software, music, images or other materials that would violate copyright laws. 

The AUP needs reporting statements like:

• Students and staff have a responsibility to promptly report any Acceptable Use Guidelines violations to the appropriate supervisor. 
   
• Students who encounter inappropriate materials by accident should immediately report it to their teacher

Next Section - Acceptable Use Policy - Violation Consequences