Using Digital Tools Safely At Frederick Douglass International Academy
Technology supports learning at Frederick Douglass International Academy, from early literacy activities in Pre-K to research, collaboration and creative projects in Grade 8. Digital access also brings responsibilities. Our Acceptable Use Policy explains how students should use school devices, accounts, internet services and online platforms in ways that protect learning, safety, privacy and the wider school community.
The policy applies during lessons, in before- and after-school programmes, on school transport when technology is being used, and whenever school-provided accounts or devices are accessed away from campus. Families in Australia may recognise familiar expectations from BYOD programmes in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane, while also noting that FDIA operates within a Michigan public charter school setting.
Why Responsible Technology Use Matters
School technology is provided for education. Students may use a laptop, tablet, classroom display, learning platform or approved website to complete work, communicate with teachers and build digital skills. Access is connected to responsible behaviour rather than being an unlimited personal privilege.
The same standard applies whether a student is on campus in Oak Park or completing a task at home. Streaming entertainment, online gaming, shopping and unrelated social media can distract from schoolwork and may use school resources inappropriately. Students should follow teacher instructions, use approved applications and ask for help when a website or digital activity seems unsuitable.
Devices, Accounts And Network Access
Students are expected to handle school-owned equipment carefully. They should carry devices safely, keep food and drinks away from them, use chargers correctly and report damage, loss or technical problems promptly. Attempting to bypass security controls, install unauthorised software or access another person’s account is not acceptable.
Passwords and account details must remain private. Students should sign out when using a shared device and never allow a friend to work under their account. Families who are accustomed to bringing personal devices to school in Australia should check which equipment FDIA permits before sending a device with a child; school rules may differ from a local BYOD policy or from everyday home internet use.
Communication, Content And Online Conduct
Digital communication should reflect the school’s character-centred values. Students must use respectful language in messages, shared documents, comments and online classrooms. Harassment, threats, discriminatory language, impersonation, deliberate disruption and the sharing of humiliating images or recordings are prohibited, whether the conduct occurs during school hours or through a school-related account after school.
Students should think carefully before copying, posting or forwarding material. Creating or sharing content that is violent, sexually explicit, discriminatory, defamatory or designed to embarrass another person can cause lasting harm. The eSafety Commissioner’s advice for Australian families similarly encourages children to pause before posting, save evidence of serious incidents and report unsafe online behaviour rather than responding with retaliation.
Privacy, Safety And Digital Footprints
Students should protect personal information such as home addresses, telephone numbers, passwords, family schedules and private photographs. They should not photograph or record classmates, staff or visitors without permission, or publish school-related images without following family consent and school requirements. Location sharing should be disabled unless a teacher has approved it for a particular learning activity.
Families in Australia may be familiar with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles, while FDIA must follow the privacy and student-safety requirements that apply in Michigan and the United States. The practical message is consistent: collect and share only what is needed, use trusted platforms and tell a responsible adult about suspicious messages, cyberbullying, scams or attempts to obtain login information.
Family Support And Responses To Misuse
Families play an important role by discussing online habits, checking that devices are used in shared spaces where appropriate and contacting the school when a concern affects learning or safety. Parents and carers should encourage children to report mistakes quickly. Accidentally opening an unsuitable page is different from deliberately seeking prohibited content, and prompt honesty helps staff respond appropriately.
When the policy is breached, the school may review activity, restrict or suspend access, notify families, require restorative action or apply further consequences under the student code of conduct. The response depends on the seriousness, intent, impact and history of the behaviour. Immediate safety concerns, threats or suspected illegal activity may be escalated to school leaders or the appropriate authorities.
Families can support safe digital learning by reviewing the school’s full policy, discussing these expectations with their children and keeping contact details current. For clarification about devices, accounts, online platforms or a particular incident, contact Frederick Douglass International Academy through the school’s official communication channels.