Acceptable Use of Technology

All use of the Henry County School Division’s computer system shall be consistent with the School Board’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. The term computer system includes hardware, software, data, communication lines and devices, mobile devices, tablets, portable drivers, cloud services, printers, servers, personal computers, the Internet and any other internal or external network.

1. Purpose

The school’s computer system is meant to be used for learning, research, or school-related activities. Any use should support education or legitimate school business.

2. Privilege, Not a Right

Using school computers, networks, and the internet is a privilege, not a right. If students misuse technology, they may lose access.

3. Unacceptable Use

Students must use school technology responsibly. The following actions are not allowed:

• using the network for illegal activities, like violating copyright laws
• accessing, sending, or downloading inappropriate or illegal content
• installing or changing software or settings without permission
• using school devices for personal business or financial gain
• wasting system resources, such as excessive file storage
• accessing restricted files or hacking into school networks
• sharing or posting someone else’s work without permission
• posting or sending offensive, obscene, or threatening material
• using school technology after privileges have been revoked
• damaging or spreading viruses on school computers
• bullying, harassing, or intimidating others online
• threatening illegal or harmful actions
• communicating with students or staff in non-school related ways (such as personal texts or social media)
• allowing students to use or modify staff-issued devices
• using artificial intelligence (AI) to misrepresent self, others, situations, learning, etc., including, but not limited to, deepfakes (fake images, videos, or audio recordings that use AI to deceive people) and/or cheating

4. Online Behavior & Responsibility

Students are expected to follow respectful and professional online behavior, including:

• Respecting Others: Be kind, avoid offensive language, and don’t interfere with others’ work.
• Privacy: Don’t share personal information about yourself or others.
• Integrity: Don’t forge emails, hack, or tamper with messages.
• Responsible Use: Use school resources wisely and don’t disrupt the network.

5. No Guarantees

The school is not responsible for any issues that arise from using the system, including lost data, service interruptions, or incorrect information.

6. Security

Keeping the computer system secure is important. If you find a security problem, report it immediately. Keep passwords private and follow virus protection rules.

7. Device & Account Monitoring

The school reserves the right to monitor and filter all activity on school devices and accounts. Any use of a school-issued account, even on a personal device, may be tracked.

8. Vandalism & Charges

• Tampering with computers, including spreading viruses, is strictly prohibited.
• The school is not responsible for any unauthorized purchases made using school devices.

9. Email & Communication

• School email is for educational purposes only and is not private—it may be monitored.
• Students may not access or interfere with others’ email accounts.
• Only open email attachments if you are sure they are safe.

10. Social Media & Generative Artificial Intelligence

• The Acceptable Use Policy still applies to social media and AI tools.
• Apps such as TikTok and WeChat are not allowed on school devices or the network.
• AI should be used ethically and responsibly to support learning, not for cheating or deception.

12. Staff & Student Interactions Online

Students should only communicate with school personnel for school-related purposes (via ParentSquare).

13. Consequences

Violating these rules may result in loss of technology privileges, school discipline, or legal consequences.

By using school technology, students agree to follow these guidelines and understand that their activity may be monitored.