Use of Computers & ICT Technologies

Students residing at Walker House are expected to be safe and lawful users of all information communication technologies, including the internet, computers, video game consoles, storage devices, MP3 players, iPods, cameras, smart phones and iPads.

While the internet provides social connections and instant access to information, entertainment and education, it must be used safely and appropriately. Wireless internet is restricted at Walker House because we want, as much as possible, to be able to support students in their use of the internet. We have filters set up through the School network that will help reduce student access to inappropriate sites.

For these reasons, the following applies to all students at Walker House:

• Students are not permitted to bring a personal computer or tablet device to Walker House as they will receive an Apple Macintosh laptop as their school computer.
• In the interests of student health and wellbeing and developing positive habits, students in Years 7, 8, 9 & 10 will hand in their laptop and phone before bed time. Students in Year 11 will also hand in their phone at bedtime, but are able to keep their laptop.
• If a student does not maintain the Walker House routine and / or struggles to maintain adequate academic progress, they may be required to hand in their laptop and phone, regardless of age or grade.

These guidelines come from the recommendations of leading cyber safety experts and adolescent psychologists.

Many students possess mobile phones that allow them access to the internet. Parents must be aware of the capabilities of the technologies they allow their children to own, and monitor download amounts and plan payments to ensure any access to the internet is safe and appropriate. If staff believe students are misusing this access, then any device that has this capability may be confiscated at certain times of the day and/or night.

If students are exposed to inappropriate content on the internet, or if they are being bullied in any way, they are encouraged to report it immediately to staff on duty.

Students at Walker are required to have their phone out of sight during dinner from 5.45pm – 6.30pm and study time from 6.45pm – 8.15pm Monday–Thursday nights. If students fail to adhere to this they will be asked to hand in their phone before study time for the remainder of the week.  In addition, students are also encouraged to turn their phones off or to ‘do not disturb’ at bedtime.

In order to help establish these patterns, parents are requested to refrain from making calls to their son/daughter during these times.