Emaratalyoum, 22 September 2024: A set of guidelines have been introduced on the use of information technology in government and private school premises in the UAE.

The guidelines restricted the use of the Internet in schools solely for educational purposes and within the regulations, rules, and laws. Schools have prohibited the use of information technology to receive, send, or distribute any materials that violate the applicable instructions, regulations, and laws. Schools have circulated a list of 19 prohibited violations to students and teachers to ensure a safe electronic environment in educational establishments. They emphasised ensuring all students and staff are aware of the risks of internet use and using it responsibly and safely for study purposes. Violating these instructions may lead to pupils being permanently expelled from the school.

The 19 prohibited violations for all users of school computers and internet services include using email to threaten or harass others, sending or posting disturbing images online, using the internet for any form of piracy such as music, movies, or software, sharing or using others’ passwords, violating copyright laws on downloading or copying electronic files for personal use, sharing confidential school matters or information without permission, compromising the school’s electronic systems’ security by introducing malware, using the internet for personal purposes, visiting unauthorised websites, distributing inaccurate, offensive, or defamatory information, using inappropriate threatening language in communications, damaging devices or software, intentionally causing harm to someone’s work or program, engaging in cyberbullying, impersonating others online, plagiarising work, accessing pornographic or hate-promoting websites, disclosing personal information without permission, visiting social media sites without permission, and using someone else’s information and work without permission.

The electronic safety policy outlines acceptable internet uses for students, including using web browsers for educational purposes, research, and gathering information from various websites and databases; using the internet to share documents and tasks that promote collaborative work; maintaining the confidentiality of personal usernames and passwords; not sharing passwords with anyone; not attempting to access, modify, or change anyone else’s username, password, files, or data; sharing emails only with known and parent/teacher-approved individuals. There is also a prohibition on bringing mobile phones to school (which will be monitored by surveillance cameras). The internet can also be used for online tests or tasks approved or recommended by teachers; studying curriculum content online and performing related tasks as assigned by teachers; working on projects or lesson presentations; preparing global circulars, invitations, and booklets for community service or other school activities with teacher approval; accessing exam sites and practice papers; responsibly accessing social media sites for educational purposes only under teacher guidance. Pupils should also always use appropriate language in all digital communications through emails and social networks, and take care of all digital devices used.

Permitted uses of the Internet for teachers include adhering to responsible and effective Internet use, using the Internet only for school-related purposes, using email for school-related matters only, and participating in all activities that enhance and improve the employee’s professional aspect, including online research and training.

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