Q5 Safe & Secure: AUP

What on earth is an aup?

AUP stands for Acceptable Use Policy and is frequently part of a district's student handbook. It may be part of an Internet Use Agreement that your district will expect all students or parents/guardians to sign.

It is a contract that explains the rules for using digital technologies - such as cell phones, computers, and the Internet - in the school or educational environment. The AUP can set expectations and consequences for equipment and Internet use behaviors, such as cyber-bullying. This is one way educators try to help keep students safe in the digital world at school.

What does your AUP tell you?

• Locate and read your school district's AUP.  
• Summarize at least three key points that should be important for all students to remember. 
• Here are some AUP's Examples from other schools.

JUDGMENT CHALLENGE

This is a judgment challenge. Check with your teacher and discuss the following situations with your class and/or group of friends:

• Your best friend asks for your password to log into your social network site for just a minute so they can check something they heard about. They promise it’s only for a minute and they won’t change anything. How might sharing your password affect you, your friends, and others who use the account? What would you do, and why?
  
  
• Some people choose usernames that are funny, attention-grabbing, or even inappropriate. Think about your username or one you’ve seen others use. What makes a username good, safe, and respectful? How do you think different kinds of usernames could affect how others see you? Why might someone choose a funny or inappropriate username, and how could it impact them or others? What does your username say about who you are, and how can it reflect your values?
   
• Have you seen someone do something that seems stupid to you, and you immediately text others about it? How might immediately sending your text message to others affect you or others? What would you do differently in the future, and why?