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E-Safety Policy

E-SAFETY POLICY

Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of Vietnamese legislation, Vinschool policies and guidance that seek to protect children. Summaries of the key legislation and policies are available on:

  • The Child Law of Vietnam, Article 54 (Law No. 102/2016 / QH13): “Agencies, organizations and individuals that manage and provide information and communications products and services and organize activities in the Internet environment shall apply measures to ensure safety and privacy for children as prescribed by law.”
  • UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
  • Vinschool Child Protection Policy
  • Vinschool Anti-Bullying Policy

1. The purpose of this policy

Vinschool is committed to providing safe and quality education for students of all ages. The use of technology is an integral part of many school activities. The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students when school staff or students are using the internet, social media or mobile devices
  • Provide school staff with the overarching principles that guide our approach to online safety
  • Ensure that, as an organization, we operate in line with our values and within the law in terms of how we use online devices
  • Apply this guidance to all staff, students, parents and anyone involved in Vinschool’s activities.

2. Definitions

  • E-safety is commonly known as online safety or cyber safety. It includes all technological devices which have access to the internet from PCs, laptops, smartphones and tablets. Staying safe online means individuals are protecting themselves and others from online harm, which may jeopardise their personal information, lead to unsafe communications or even affect their mental health and well-being. An E-safety policy enables the school to protect and educate students, teachers and staff members in their use of technology, to have a response procedure in place to intervene and support any incidents where appropriate.

3. E-safety principles

The online world provides everyone with many opportunities; however, it can also present risks and challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that:

  • All students and staff are protected from potential harm online whether or not they are using Vinschool’s network and devices.
  • All students, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
  • Clear and specific directions and training are provided to staff, teachers and students on how to behave online.
  • Students are supported in how best to use the internet, social media and mobile phones in a way that keeps them safe and shows respect for others.
  • Parents and guardians are offered guidance on what they can do to keep their children safe online.
  • Information system security is reviewed and updated regularly.
  • User names, logins, email accounts and passwords are used safely and effectively
  • Personal information about Vinschool staff and students is held securely and shared only as appropriate
  • Any social media platforms and new technologies are suitably examined and risk assessed before they are used within the organization.
  • Images of students and families are used only after their written permission has been obtained and only for the purpose for which consent has been given.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

School

In order for this policy to be effective, there must be good communication among staff members within the school. To do so, the school must be transparent about reporting and response procedures.

Principal

  • Ensure all procedures outlined in this policy are clearly understood among staff members and are followed fairly in the interests of each involved student with regard to Vietnam’s and international legal frameworks.
  • Coordinate a review of this policy annually to evaluate its effectiveness and implement changes in the face of the ongoing development of Vietnam’s social environment.
  • Keep a log of all e-safety incidents.

Child Protection Officer (Campus Level)

  • Keep up to date with the latest risks to children whilst using technology
  • Engage with staff, students and parents on e-safety matters
  • Liaise with the IT Department and other agencies as required
  • Ensure technical e-safety measures within the school are fit-for-purpose (e.g. Internet filtering software)
  • Follow appropriate response procedures (see Child Protection Policy).

The IT Department

Be responsible for ensuring that the ICT technical infrastructure is secure and monitored by:

  • Ensuring that anti-virus protocols are fit-for-purpose, up to date and applied to all capable devices
  • Ensuring operating system updates are regularly monitored and devices updated as appropriate
  • Ensuring passwords are applied to all users regardless of age and changed regularly
  • Ensuring the Administrator password is changed termly, with no reuse within 12 months.

Staff

  • Be aware that the use of equipment and software connected to the network is monitored
  • Complete appropriate e-safety training and fully understand the e-safety policy
  • Report any e-safety incident to the Child Protection Officer, or the Principal in their absence
  • Promote and share e-safety practices as appropriate and embed them into curriculum practices.

Students

  • Understand that any deviation or misuse of ICT equipment and/or services will be dealt with in accordance with the Behavior Policy and Anti-Bullying Policy.
  • Be aware of how they can report areas of concern or safety including sexual exploitation and extremism within or outside the school.
  • Understand the E-safety policy and stay up-to-date new and emerging e-safety risks through different communication methods such as parent-teacher conferences, newsletters and SO announcements.

Parents and Guardians

  • Support strategies to ensure children are empowered.

5. Response procedure

  • Have clear and robust safeguarding procedures in place for responding to online abuse
  • Provide support and training for all staff, students and parents on dealing with all forms of abuse, including bullying/cyberbullying, emotional abuse, sexting, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation
  • Review the plan developed to address online abuse at regular intervals, in order to ensure that any problems have been resolved in the long term.