Keeping Safe on the Internet and Privacy

Emmaus College uses a content filtering program and also has sophisticated tools to enhance fltering including the ability to indicate the top 50 sites visited by users (daily or monthly) as well as the top 50 users (daily and monthly). In addition, the ITS staff can trace all sites visited by users, the time visited and even the search items used in a Google search when on our network.

A growing concern is the invasion of privacy that occurs when students choose to respond to online surveys, sign up for free services, or when purchasing online. Through email or fake websites, someone could impersonate a legitimate organisation (such as a Bank) to obtain personal information. This information can then be used for unintentional purposes. Personal information should never be revealed via email.

In fact, in signing up to any website service, limiting the personal information required is a good rule of thumb.

Student and Teacher Privacy

One of the wonderful tools available to students with ICT mobile devices is the ability to take photos and movies quickly and easily. This enables learning using multimedia capabilities. In a classroom situation, this can involve taking images of students and teachers during learning activities. Images & movies can also be taken in social situations outside the classroom. In all situations students are reminded that they are forbidden to upload images and movies onto the internet without the specific consent of persons involved. Legal ramifications can be far reaching for students who chose not to follow this advice. The police and other legal organisations could become involved in these circumstances. The college will not take responsibility for student actions in this area. Please ensure you have read and understood;

The Emmaus College ICT Acceptable Usage Policy & Emmaus College Personal Mobile Devices Policy

Monitoring at Home

It is important that parents understand that the internet filter employed at the College does not extend to the home and that parents need to provide for their children’s online safety in the home. Parents must understand their children will have full unfiltered access at home.

Social Networking Sites

Sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter present opportunities for communication and their proliferation indicates their widespread popularity amongst young people as the communication tool of choice.

The idea behind Internet security is to keep your personal information to yourself, while the idea behind social media is to share. This isn’t a problem, provided you’re careful about what you share. If you’re too generous with personal details, you can become a victim of identity theft, financial fraud or burglary. Providing too much personal information can even expose you to physical danger.

Most social media sites give you a wide range of privacy settings, so take advantage of these to protect yourself.

Parents are encouraged to build on the education in social networking provided via the College’s Pastoral Program. This should include active discussion with children at home regarding appropriate use and content. For further information visit the following sites;

Family Resources

The following resources were provided by Robyn Treyvaud – Founder of CyberSafeKids.