ERO Visits

The Education Review Office will definitely ask about the cybersafety policy and procedures as part of a school's review. Because of this, all schools should have this infrastructure in place before there are problems of internet misuse. There is a possible liability issue if schools have a serious incident and cannot demonstrate they have endeavored to put the proper policies, procedures and education in place that would ensure a cybersafe learning environment.

Here are three examples of how findings have been reported by ERO:

1) "Students are developing skills in information and communication literacy. They use computers effectively to demonstarte cross-curriculum links. Trustees and staff should now develop ICT policies related to internet safety."

2) Under the section Areas of Good Performance: "Policies and practices promote internet safety for children and staff."

3) "Students and teachers have access to a range of resources that support information communication and technology. Staff have received training and implement their learning according to their various levels of ICT understanding and competence. Staff have developed ICT policies related to internet safety."

With a document infrastructure in place (policies, use agreements, procedures when there is an incident etc.) that is actively enforced, a good electronic security system (which can include filtering, a firewall and monitoring) and cybersafety education for the entire school community, a school should not have a problem with this aspect of a review by ERO.

The other key responsibility of a Board of Trustees under the National Administration Guidelines (NAGs) that relates to cybersafety is to consult with the community. Parent Information Evenings and other efforts to get cybersafety information to parents can make a school's job easier. Parents can be wonderful allies in establishing a cybersafe environment at school by following a similar process at home, thus reinforcing a cybersafety culture for children and young people. ERO may be ask about this community consultation as part of their review.