Acceptable Use Policy for PLD and Educational Technology Resources
Read this policy to understand the rules for using school devices and online platforms responsibly at Loyang View Secondary School.
1. Purpose and Introduction
This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) establishes guidelines for the responsible and effective use of Personal Learning Devices (PLDs) and educational technology resources at Loyang View Secondary School. Aligned with our purpose of empowering every individual to SHINE, this policy creates a safe, productive digital learning environment that enhances educational outcomes whilst protecting the privacy, safety, and wellbeing of all members of our school community.
Technology is an essential part of learning in today's world. As we nurture our students to become lifelong learners, future-ready leaders, and active citizens, this AUP helps you understand how to use EdTech resources safely and responsibly, in line with efforts to develop your digital literacies and growth as digitally responsible citizens.
Through responsible use of technology, we cultivate our school culture of Learn, Value, Shine - where students learn effectively through digital tools, value respectful online behaviour, and shine as responsible digital citizens in our vibrant and caring school community.
For additional resources, please refer to: Student Kit on Cyber Wellness and Learning with a Personal Learning Device (Secondary) – https://go.gov.sg/cw-studentkit (opens in new tab)
2. Scope and Application
This policy applies to all students, teachers, staff, and visitors using school technology resources, including but not limited to:
Personal Learning Devices (iPads) provided by or used within the school
ICT system accounts (e.g. Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS), iCON, Google Classroom, Microsoft 365)
School internet networks
All educational technology platforms and applications accessible through school systems
Use of school technology resources both on and off campus during school-related activities
This policy extends beyond school premises and applies at home and in other settings where school-related use of PLDs occurs.
3. General Guidelines
You should not attempt to access data, systems and information that you are not authorised to access. You are reminded that the use of learning devices and school's EdTech resources should solely be for the purpose of learning.
4. Core Requirements and Technical Standards
4.1 Device Management Application (DMA) Requirement
All Personal Learning Devices must have the Device Management Application (DMA) installed and active before they can be used in school for lessons. The DMA supports a safe and conducive learning environment, and students should not attempt to bypass or exploit it in any way, including through jailbreaking or any other means of removing software restrictions imposed by the school.
Devices without DMA will be treated according to existing school smartphone policies, including immediate confiscation and storage in the Student Welfare room. Further consequences may apply, up to and including withholding devices until parents collect them personally.
4.2 Using Your PLD - Responsibilities and Care
PLDs are intended for use in school daily. Students are to bring your PLD for all lessons unless specifically informed otherwise by their subject teacher. During lessons, students should mute the sound on their PLD to avoid disruption; if sound is required, students should use their own headset or earpiece unless their teacher instructs otherwise. Students are not permitted to use social media apps or engage in any form of entertainment, such as online games or videos, during lessons.
4.3 Device Responsibility and Safe-Keeping
Students are responsible for your PLD at all times and must not leave it unattended or unsupervised. PLDs must be taken home daily after school — students are not permitted to leave your PLD in school overnight, regardless of whether it is locked.
When a PLD is not in use during the school day, it should be locked securely inside the locker provided by the school.
The school will not be held responsible for any loss if students leave their PLD on school premises.
In the event of loss or theft of their device, students must inform the school immediately.
4.4 Charging and Maintenance
Students should ensure that their PLD is fully charged at home before bringing it to school each day. Students should not use the school's electrical power points to charge their PLD.
Any damage to a PLD should be reported to the School ICT Department promptly. If a student’s PLD is faulty, they may loan a device from the school to ensure their learning is not interrupted.
Students will be responsible for taking care of any loaned PLD, and will bear the cost of damage, theft, or loss due to negligence. A police report will be required in cases of theft or loss of a school-loaned PLD.
4.5 System Updates and Data Backup
Students are reminded to keep their PLD updated by installing relevant patches and updates when prompted by the system. Students are also responsible for regularly backing up their learning materials to prevent data loss, using the 200GB complimentary iCloud storage provided through their school-managed Apple ID.
4.6 Apple ID and Account Management
Students must use only school-managed Apple IDs provided by Loyang View Secondary School. Personal Apple IDs are not permitted on school devices, in order to ensure security, appropriate content access, and compliance with educational data protection requirements.
4.7 Application Installation and Management
All applications must be installed through the JAMF Student app using the school's approved whitelist. Students may only download applications that appear in their JAMF Student app catalogue and have been vetted and approved by the school.
4.8 Camera and Recording Policy
The camera and recording functions on PLDs may only be used with explicit approval from the subject teacher to protect student and staff privacy rights and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
5. Being a Responsible Digital Citizen
As members of the Loyang View Secondary School community, students are expected to demonstrate our school values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and Compassion in all digital interactions:
Respectful Communication: Students should interact with others in a respectful and responsible way, and must not post online remarks that are racially and/or religiously insensitive, vulgar and/or offensive, or hurtful to others.
Appropriate Content: Students should 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), or make threats, cause harassment or embarrassment, impersonate others, or engage in cyberbullying by sending, forwarding, or posting text or images intended to hurt, embarrass, attack, or defame another person.
Educational Purpose: Students should not use MOE/school-deployed ICT system accounts for any commercial activities (e.g. buying and selling of goods and services).
Data and Privacy Protection: Students are expected to protect both their own and others' personal information by maintaining confidentiality of login credentials, respecting privacy settings on school platforms, and reporting any suspected security breaches immediately. Students must not share their password, use another user's password, or access another user's account without permission.
6. Respecting Copyright
Permission and Attribution: Students are reminded to obtain explicit permission from the content owner(s) before downloading, copying or sharing any copyrighted materials (e.g. pictures, videos, music) and must properly cite sources and references in all academic work.
Legal Compliance: Students should not use, copy, edit or share digital files in an unauthorised or illegal manner and must avoiding plagiarism by not representing as their own any materials obtained from the internet without crediting the original author or owner.
7. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Age Requirements: Students must ensure that they meet the minimum age requirement specified in each AI tool's age restrictions before using it.
Academic Integrity: If the use of AI is permitted, students should acknowledge the use of AI in weighted assessments and homework as required. Students are to practice academic integrity and be responsible for their own learning - understanding that they are ultimately short-changing themselves if they pass off other's work as their own.
Critical Evaluation: Students should exercise caution regarding the limitations of AI tools, including potential inaccuracies/fabricated responses, inherent biases and outdated information.
8. Staying Safe and Secure Online
Incident Reporting: Students should report any incidents (e.g. unusual device behaviour or inappropriate use of devices) to their Form Teacher or the school ICT team immediately.
Online Safety Habits: Students are reminded to develop online safety habits, including:
Not disclosing personal access credentials (e.g. MIMS password, PLD passcode, etc.) or sensitive personal data (e.g. home address, passwords) online or on AI platforms
Verifying credibility of online content before sharing
Avoiding clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files
Being cautious when interacting with strangers online
Information Literacy: Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate online sources for credibility and bias, and recognise the importance of fact-checking and verification.
9. Digital Wellbeing and Balance
Balanced Technology Use: Students are reminded to balance screentime with other activities including physical exercise and face-to-face social interactions and to avoid excessive use of their devices outside learning hours.
Health Considerations: Students should take regular breaks to rest their eyes and mind during extended technology use.
Sleep Hygiene: Students are reminded to practice good sleep hygiene by avoiding device use in the hour before bedtime.
10. Prohibited Activities
The following activities are strictly forbidden:
bypassing security measures, including content filters, firewalls, or the DMA system
accessing inappropriate material that is violent, sexually explicit, discriminatory, or illegal
engaging in cyberbullying, harassment, or threatening behaviour
unauthorised access to other users' accounts or personal information
commercial activities or profit-making activities unrelated to education
malicious use or vandalism of school networks or internet services, including hacking or the creation or uploading of malicious software;
accessing chat rooms or news groups without clear approval from a supervising teacher;
unauthorised recording without proper teacher approval
identity misrepresentation or creating fake accounts
11. Consequences and Enforcement
11.1 Progressive Discipline Framework
Non-compliance with this AUP will lead to disciplinary action in accordance with the school's discipline policy. Loyang View Secondary School employs a progressive discipline approach that emphasises learning from mistakes while maintaining clear boundaries. Consequences are determined based on the severity of the violation, frequency of incidents, and the student's response to corrective guidance.
11.2 Consequence Levels
Level 1 - Minor Violations
First-time minor infractions such as inappropriate use during class time or accessing non-educational content may result in:
Verbal warnings and counselling on appropriate use
Temporary restriction of device privileges during specific lessons
Reflection activities focused on digital citizenship
Additional supervision during technology use
Review of this AUP with Form Teacher
Level 2 - Moderate Violations
Repeated minor violations or moderate infractions such as attempting to bypass security measures, inappropriate online communication, or misuse of school platforms may result in:
Temporary suspension of PLD privileges for one to several days
Parent notification and conference
Completion of digital citizenship education modules
Written reflection on the impact of actions on the learning community
Formal documentation in student records
Level 3 - Serious Violations
Serious infractions such as cyberbullying, accessing highly inappropriate content, unauthorised recording, or attempting to compromise system security may result in:
Extended suspension of technology privileges
Formal disciplinary action according to school policies
Mandatory counselling or intervention programmes
Involvement of external authorities where appropriate
Potential suspension from school activities
11.3 Device Management Violations
Non-Compliance with DMA Requirements:
Devices without proper DMA installation will be immediately confiscated and stored in the Student Welfare room. Students will face progressive consequences that may include:
Device confiscation until parents collect personally
Temporary suspension from technology-enhanced lessons
Additional digital citizenship education requirements
Loss of PLD privileges for extended periods
11.4 Restoration and Learning Focus
All disciplinary actions emphasise restoration and learning rather than purely punitive measures. Students will have opportunities to:
Demonstrate understanding of appropriate technology use through reflection and education
Contribute positively to the digital learning community through peer mentoring or presentations
Rebuild trust through consistent responsible behaviour over time
Participate in restorative conversations with affected parties where appropriate
12. Monitoring and Privacy Considerations
The school maintains appropriate monitoring systems to ensure student safety, network security, and policy compliance whilst respecting student privacy rights. All student data is protected according to established data protection protocols and accessed only by authorised personnel.
13. Parental and Guardian Involvement
The successful implementation of this policy requires collaboration between school, students, and families. Parents are encouraged to establish home technology rules that align with school expectations and maintain open dialogue about online experiences.
14. Policy Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains current with technological developments and educational best practices. Updates will be communicated through official school channels.
15. Acknowledgement and Agreement
By using Loyang View Secondary School's educational technology resources, students acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy. This policy supports our school's mission to create a vibrant and caring environment where students are nurtured to strive towards their full potential, empowering every individual to SHINE as responsible digital citizens and future-ready leaders.