Digital Technology and Online Safety
St Joseph's School is committed to providing a digital and online environment that is physically and emotionally safe, inclusive, and free from racism, discrimination, and bullying (Education and Training Act 2020 and Health and Safety at Work Act 2015). We recognise the vital role of 
digital technology in learning and how it impacts student wellbeing, so we take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure its safe and responsible use. Our strategies aim to prevent digital incidents and maintain student wellbeing and safety both at and outside the school.
We aim to prevent digital incidents by:
- recognising prevention is better than response
- balancing promotional (e.g. resources and interventions) and protective (e.g. reducing risk) strategies
- following Netsafe's "Learn, Guide, Protect" framework
- implementing active and ongoing risk management strategies
- monitoring student use of digital technology through the school network
- engaging with our school community about planning our incident response
- educating students on using generative AI appropriately .
For the purpose of this policy, digital technology includes all information and communication technology (ICT) tools that allow people to interact in the digital world. ICT refers to hardware, software, generative AI (e.g. ChatGPT), communications technology, data, internet access, and cloud computing, and any other electronic tool, device, system, or resource that can generate, store, or process data.
- Digital technology devices may include computers, tablets, storage devices, cameras, phones, handheld PCs and consoles, smartwatches, video/audio devices, e-readers, and other similar devices.
- Digital communications may include emails, texts or messaging apps, and social media platforms.
Our digital technology policies and procedures apply to every member of the school community using digital technology, including staff, students, parents/caregivers, volunteers, contractors, visitors, and the board. They apply to digital technology owned by the school or owned privately and used at school or any other location for a school-based activity. They also include off-site access to the school network if applicable.
Our approach to digital technology aims to reduce barriers to education for all students. St Joseph's School supports students to access the resources needed to participate in online learning. We recognise that although a student may have a device, their internet access may be limited.
Safe and responsible use of digital technology
In keeping with our whole-school approach to student wellbeing, St Joseph's School promotes safe and responsible use of digital technology as a shared responsibility.
At St Joseph's School, we maintain a safe and responsible digital environment by:
- setting and sharing clear requirements and expectations about acceptable and unacceptable digital use
- ensuring that members of the school community commit to these guidelines by signing the appropriate use agreement outlining requirements and expectations
- reviewing these digital technology use agreements annually
- educating students about the digital world, including understanding privacy and copyright laws, staying safe online, and protecting digital devices
- encouraging our students to be confident, capable, and competent in their use of digital technology by supporting them to:
- develop digital literacy skills
- be aware of digital technology challenges and manage them effectively
- demonstrate honesty, integrity, and ethical behaviour in their use of digital technology in line with digital citizenship
- using helpful resources (e.g. Netsafe) and supporting staff training and professional development
- encouraging students and staff to continue practising positive digital technology behaviours when not at the school.
We also create a safe digital and online environment through these supporting policies:
The school maintains the right to monitor, access, and review digital technology use on school equipment and the school network, including school-owned email accounts. The school may use a third party, such as N4L, to monitor school internet use. This may include browsing history.
Breaches
We respond to breaches of our digital technology and online safety policy using our guidelines in Behaviour Management, Responding to Digital Incidents, and our Concerns and Complaints Policy, as appropriate.
The principal assures the board that Digital Technology and Online Safety policies to promote internet safety and prevent bullying are being implemented correctly. The principal reports on any breaches in digital safety. See Review Schedule and Board Assurances.
Related policies
Legislation
- Education and Training Act 2020
- Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
- Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015
- Privacy Act 2020
Resources
- Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
- Netsafe
: Term 4 2025, Term 1 2024, Term 1 2023, Term 4 2022, Term 2 2020
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