Digital Learning Agreement

Secondary Learners Digital Learning Agreement v26.9

1. Responsible Use of Digital Technology 

Aberdeenshire schools aim to provide children and young people with a rich variety of learning opportunities, including access to digital technology and the wealth of resources on the internet that enrich classwork and homework. 

2. Rules for Digital Device Use in School 

These rules apply to all uses of the internet and electronic information, including text messages and pictures sent via mobile phones. School or loaned digital devices (computers, tablets, and other internet-enabled devices) are intended for educational use and other authorised purposes approved by the school. 

Be Secure 

• I will use a sufficiently long and complex password (e.g., three random words like #Horse Dig Boat3, as detailed in Glow Connect password guidance). 

• I will keep logins and passwords private, even from my friends. 

• I will speak to my teacher if I have a concern about my password, and they may take steps to reset it. 

• I will always log out before leaving a device. 

• I will not look at anyone else’s files without their permission. 

Be Respectful 

• I will be polite and will not use bad language. 

• I will remember that anything I do online can be traced back to me. 

• I will not access, create, store, or distribute files that are offensive, indecent, or that harass or insult others. 

Be Safe 

• I will not share personal details (such as my home address or phone number or my image) with people online. 

• I will only send emails to people I know, or people my teacher knows. 

• I will not share personal information about other people via emails, social media networks, messaging apps, or any other online spaces (including Glow). 

Be Legal 

• I will only share materials I am allowed to share online, including via Glow. 

• I will never photograph or video staff or other pupils without their knowledge and permission. 

• I will never upload photos or videos of others without their permission. 

• I understand that bullying or harassment via text, messaging, emails, social networks, or blogs is unacceptable and has serious consequences. 

• I will not use images, text, or other digital media from the web in my own work unless I hold the correct copyright permission or the work is appropriately licensed (e.g., Creative Commons). 

• I will not attempt to bypass security systems, hack, or gain unauthorised access to school networks, computer systems, or the accounts of others. 

Be Responsible 

• I will tell an adult and/or use the "Report Unsuitable Content" button if I see or hear something upsetting or wrong online. 

• I will not try to access unsuitable websites, including social networking sites. 

• I will take good care of the digital devices I use. 

• I will not remove, add, change, erase, reconfigure, or disable any software or pre-set device settings. 

• I understand that my device activity (like browser history) can be monitored by Aberdeenshire Council and may be subject to random spot-checks. 

• I understand that irresponsible use of digital technology or the internet may result in my school access being removed. 

Personal Devices 

• Staff may grant me the privilege of using my own device or mobile phone in class. 

• If I abuse this privilege or use a device in class without permission, my device may be temporarily confiscated, and proportionate sanctions will be applied, up to and including Police involvement. 

• I am entirely responsible for taking care of any personal device I bring to school. 

• Any connected device must not pose a threat to the school network through its contents or downloads. 

Appropriate and Responsible use of AI Tools 

• I can use age-appropriate AI tools to aid learning, creativity, and problem-solving, but I will not use them to replace critical thinking or authentic learning. 

• I will use AI as a supportive tool to guide my learning, rather than relying on it to do the thinking for me. 

• I will not use AI to deceive, plagiarise (copy) or cheat. 

• I will be transparent and clearly state when I have used AI to help generate, organise, or refine my work. 

• I am aware of biases in AI systems and will critically evaluate their outputs. 

• I understand that AI tools can sometimes provide incorrect or ‘made up’ information, and I will cross-reference facts with trusted sources on the web. 

• I will protect my privacy and the privacy of others by never adding sensitive information or personal images into an AI prompt. 

Note: This is because Large Language Models (LLMs) are the underlying systems that power AI tools by learning from vast datasets, meaning the text and images you input could be stored and used to train the system further. 

• I will respect privacy and confidentiality and report any AI misuse or unethical behaviour. 

3. Agreement 

• I have read the Rules for Digital Device Use in School and understand they apply to both school and personal devices. 

• I understand the expectations and rules of this agreement, as well as the consequences of breaking them. 

• I accept that the school is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to personal technology (e.g., smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, media players). 

Young Person’s Declaration 

Young Person’s Name: 

Young Person’s Signature: 

Date: 

Class: 

Parent/Carer Declaration (if signing on behalf of the young person) 

Young Person’s Name: 

Class: 

Parent/Carer Signature: 

Print Name: 

Date: