Potential risks posed by ICT
 
In addition to enjoying the many benefits that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have brought to the education sector, schools also need to be aware of the potential risks posed to both staff and students. This will assist schools to meet their responsibilities under the National Administration Guidelines (NAGs). Each of these risks can be minimised and thus more easily managed through the implementation of specific policies and cybersafety use agreements.
 
Potential incidents that a school may face range from the potentially minor to the more serious. Examples of incidents of misuse include:

• The unauthorised taking of photographs using a mobile phone or digital camera
• Accessing online material that is illegal or inappropriate to the school environment
• Accessing age-restricted material
• Using ICT to facilitate cheating in an examination, or plagiarism in an assessment
• Using ICT to harass others
• Hacking.

Even if a school has the appropriate cybersafety documents, procedures and rigorous security in place, education for the entire school community is still imperative to minimise any potential risks.
 
You can learn more about the benefits and risks of ICT on the NetSafe website (www.netsafe.org.nz) or by contacting NetSafe to request staff professional learning